WWII Nurse, Former Parsippany School Nurse Dies at 94

Dorothy Tapkas spent much of her life caring for others.

The Parsippany resident of 51 years died recently at the age of 94, according to her obituary.

Tapkas was born and raised in Chester, Pennyslvania and lived in Parsippany for more than half-a-century before moving to Tinton Falls 13 years ago.

Tapkas received her degree in nursing from Columbia University and became a registered nurse, then served in World War II from Feb. 21, 1944 until she was honorably discharged as a 1st Lieutenant on May 10, 1946.

After the war Tapkas spent many years as a school nurse for the Parsippany Board of Education before retiring.

She is survived by four sons, four grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. She is predeceased by her husband, James, who passed away in 1992.

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