AUBURN — Tekla E. Upton, 93, passed away Saturday, Dec. 2, at the Hospice House in Auburn. She was born on Dec. 31, 1923, in Ironwood, Mich., the daughter of August and Tekla Nelmark. She was educated in Ironwood and graduated from Luther L. Wright H.S. in 1942.

She attended the Augustana Hospital School of Nursing in Chicago, graduating as a registered nurse. Tek joined the Army Nurse Corps in 1948, and after two stateside posts was a 1st lieutenant stationed with the 10th Station Hospital, Korea.

Tek married Charles S. Upton on June 14, 1951. As an Air Force wife, she lived in Washington D.C., Hawaii, Japan, France, New Mexico, Cape Cod and New Jersey. After Chuck’s military retirement in 1967, they resided in Mt. Holly, N.J., where she worked at the Memorial Hospital of Burlington County. In 1981, they moved to Waterford. She belonged to the Ladies Swim Group, many quilting groups and Trinity Lutheran Church. She especially enjoyed traveling and going out to eat with her husband. She also loved golf, knitting, sewing and visiting with family and friends.

Following Chuck’s death in 2003, she moved to Schooner Estates to be close to her daughter and grandchildren. Tek was involved with many of the Schooner activities. She loved to read, watch MSNBC, do crossword puzzles, attend college courses and cuddle with her cat, Abby. Tekla was known for her strong opinions … and the willingness to voice them.

Survivors include son, Richard Upton and wife, Deborah, of Gloucester, Mass.; daughter, Charlene McPhee and husband, James of Auburn; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Condolences may be expressed at www.funeralalternatives.net.

Tekla E. Upton