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BORN
1925
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
Lillian Czapla Obituary
Lillian S. Czapla, 100, of Middletown, formerly of Wethersfield, passed away peacefully at the Village of South farms in Middletown on October 6, 2025. Lillian was born in Middletown, CT on April 27, 1925. She was the daughter of the late Walter and the late Ruth (Champion) Seagrave. She was the first child of six children, three girls and three boys. Lil graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School Middletown, CT. Prior to her retirement she worked for Connecticut National Bank in Hartford in the vault.
Lillian was a member of the First Church of Christ for over 86 years. She enjoyed family and friends. Lil’s special friends besides her family were Betty Hoffman, Peggy Hunt, Marion Motta, Donna Hoffman Emerzian and her long-time neighbor from Wethersfield Lisa Neild. Lil enjoyed traveling, going out to eat with family and friends. She was a member of the 55 Club. Which was her group of friends, sisters and sister-in-law. They would go out to eat, host each other at their houses once a month and go on outings for the day. Lil enjoyed her nieces and nephews. Her sister Ruth would plan trips, having parties, playing bingo and Lil join in with her sister on these events. Prior to Lil going to the village, she took care of her sister Ruth for about two years. She told me it was good to be there to reconnect with her sister more closely with great conversation through the day.
A special thanks to the nurses and staff who cared for Lillian at the villages especially Anthony Covino whom she formed a special bond with. Thanks also to Trinity Health Hospice for their care of Lillian. Lil enjoyed the visits from the nurses and clergy. Lillian is survived by sister-in-law Barbara Seagrave of Higganum. She was predeceased by, her husband of thirty-four years Anthony Czapla of Wethersfield, sister Eleanor S. Ashworth and brother-in-law Cecil S. Ashworth of Kensington, sister Ruth Seagrave of Middletown, brother Walter and sister-in-law Nancy Seagrave of Cromwell, brother John Seagrave of Middletown, brother Robert Seagrave of Higganum, nephew John Seagrave Jr. of Middletown and nephew William Ashworth of Columbia. She is also survived by several nephews, a niece and great nieces and nephews. Lillian was a very special Wife, Aunt, Sister and Friend.
Services will be held on Wednesday October 22, 2025 at 11 a.m. Biega Funeral Home 3 Silver St., Middletown. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. with a burial at Veterans Cemetery following the service. Donations in Lil’s memory may be made to the First Church of Christ 190 Court St. Middletown, Ct. 06457. To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.
Memories and Condolences
for Lillian Czapla
3 Entries
Billy Hofmann
October 20, 2025
When my sister, Donna Hofmann Emerzian, shared the news about Lil it struck me that this marks the end of an era.
Lil and her parents and siblings were like a second family to my mother, Betty Dumeer Hofmann. Mom often spoke very fondly of her cherished memories of growing up on Chestnut Street and the kindness of the Seagraves toward her, both on an everyday basis and in including her on many special outings with them.
When I was a young boy we lived on Silver Street and I experienced the same myself many times, including visiting the gas station run by Mr. Seagrave (Lil's dad) for an ice-cold Coke and a friendly talk, and when I would stop in at the Seagrave home sometimes after my day at Hubbard School and be warmly greeted by Mrs. Seagrave (Lil's mom) who asked about my day and made sure to share a delicious bowl of my favorite butterscotch pudding.
As an adult my family always made a point of stopping at the Seagraves' house on Christmas Eve on the way from our home in Vermont to visit my parents in Durham. And what a warm welcome we received -- always so much great food and drink and laughter and good cheer.
There was an awful lot of love and kindness in that house on Chestnut Street, and isn't that really what it's all about?
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Donna Emerzian
October 17, 2025
Lil was my Mom's best friend growing up and they always stayed close. I was very close to Mrs. Seagrave, Lil and Ruthie as a kid. I loved our frequent trips to lunch, shopping and always having a good laugh. In most recent years I enjoyed talking with Lil on the phone. I will miss you Lil, please rest in peace ❤ Donna
Anthony Covino
October 17, 2025
Lillian will always hold a special place in my heart. I was so lucky to spend so much time with her and care for her over the years. She had such a warm, gentle way about her — always kind, always strong, and always finding a way to make me smile. I learned so much from her, not just about life, but about grace and patience. I’ll miss her dearly, but I’m so grateful to have known her. She will always be one of the most special people I’ve ever cared for.
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Memorial Events
for Lillian Czapla
Oct
22
Visitation
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Biega Funeral Home
3 Silver St., Middletown, CT 06457
Oct
22
Funeral service
11:00 a.m.
Biega Funeral Home
3 Silver St., Middletown, CT 06457
Oct
22
Burial
State Veterans' Cemetery
317 Bow Lane, Middletown, CT 06457