Martha M. Keilig

CONCORD -- Martha M. Keilig, 90, formerly of Rindge, died Sept. 7, 2009.

She was born in Charters Towers, Queensland, Australia, in 1919 to John and Rachel (Matthews) Griffiths, and served as a wireless operator in the Women's Auxiliary Australian Air Force (WAAAF) at the rank of assistant section officer during World War II. Her services were noteworthy at the time of the fall of Singapore and the Battle of the Coral Sea.

In 1944, she married Richard H. Keilig Sr. of Wilton, who was serving in the U.S. Army.

In May 1946, she came to America as one of more than 10,000 Australian "war brides."

From 1948 to 1985, she owned and operated several flower and gift shops and a motel.

She graduated from Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardiner, Mass., in 1987 and Smith College in Northampton, Mass.

Family includes children M. Joyce Keilig of Manchester, Richard H. Keilig Jr. of Moravia, Iowa, and Roger. B. Keilig of Hopkinton; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

She also leaves her former husband, Richard

SERVICES: A private graveside service in Wilton will be held at the convenience of family.

Arrangements are in the care of the Nelson-Michaud Funeral Home, 32 Maple St., Wilton.

For more information, go to www.nelsonmichaudfuneralhome.com.