Hazel W. Jaklitch

Hazel Jaklitch, a longtime resident of Naples & Bonita Springs, passed away peacefully on October 16th at the amazing age of 100 surrounded by her loving family. Born August 20, 1921 in Cleveland, OH, she was one of 9 children born to Otto and Nola (Palmer) Wrentmore. She was preceded in death by all her siblings – Harold, Bob, Marie, Otto Jr., Nola (Sis), Russell, Clarence, and Betty Anne. She was married on St. Patrick’s Day 1942 to her husband, William Jaklitch, who predeceased her after 42 years of marriage. She is survived by her son & daughter-in-law, Richard and Kimberly Jaklitch, and her daughter, Patricia Jaklitch and many loving nieces, nephews, and their children. With a life spanning 100 years she grew up during the Great Depression and got married during World War II and started a family after the war was over. She graduated from Cleveland Ohio’s John Hay High School in 1939 and started working shortly thereafter. She continued to work throughout her life except for a few years while raising her children. She developed long lasting relationships with many of the people she worked with over the years. She relocated to Naples with her late husband, Bill, in 1972, and worked as a bookkeeper and office manager for Crown Construction Company followed by Presstige Printing in Bonita Springs until 2013. She enjoyed traveling, especially with her daughter, and made trips around the world and throughout the US including Alaska, England, Scotland, Austria, France, Japan, Fiji Islands, among others. Hazel became a member of the Pilot Club of Naples in 1976. Pilot, a community service organization, is chartered in Florida with Pilot International which focuses on brain health and brain injury prevention. During her 45 years as a loyal member, she served on the Executive Board of Directors in several positions and was elected to serve as President for four terms starting in 1982, 1996, 2004 through 2006 and also one term as the Florida District Director. Her commitment and dedication were an inspiration to the Pilot Club membership. She was actively involved in Bike Safety events for children which provided free bike helmets and puppet presentations teaching safety, however, her primary focus was the Florida Pilot Scholarship House Foundation. The Foundation provides rent free housing for students at Florida State University, University of Florida and Florida Gulf Coast University in four Scholarship Houses. She made a difference with students, Pilot members and friendships throughout Florida that will never be forgotten. A Celebration of Life will be held at Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church, 1225 Piper Boulevard, Naples, FL 34110 on Saturday, October 30, 2021 at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Florida Pilot Scholarship House Foundation. To sign Hazel’s guest register or to leave online condolences, please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home.

Hazel W. Jaklitch

August 20, 1921 - October 16, 2021