She was born on April 22, 1920 the daughter of the late George & Florence (nee Atkin) Sawtell in New Haven, Connecticut. On August 17, 1940 in Wallingford, Ct., she married Lester C. Oakes.

She is survived by her children; Judith (Bob) Nocera of North Kingstown, RI, Nanci (Bob) Shirrell of Northfield, IL and James (Kathy) Oakes of Chittenango, NY, her granddaughters; Amy (Howard) Long of Bellefonte, PA, Jill (Jim) Emerick of Cazenovia, NY and Emily (Craig) Kaplowitz of Wilmette, IL and her great grandchildren; Katie Long, Jackson Kaplowitz, Graham Kaplowitz, Allison Kaplowitz, Merrill Kaplowitz, Anna Emerick and Zachary Emerick. Her caretaker Donna Secuya.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband; Lester in June of 2005 and her brother; Harry Sawtell.

A memorial service will be held at St. James Episcopal Church, 516 Washington St., West Dundee, IL on Friday, March 22 at 11:00 with a reception following the service at the Greens of Elgin, 801 N McLean Blvd, Elgin, IL.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.millerfuneralhomedundee.com. For info, please call 847-426-3436.