Longtime FMARC member Stella Gurka WB2FAU became a Silent Key on December 27, 2022 succumbing to cancer.

Stella was a force of nature. She was a strong advocate for the things she felt were important and was relentless in her efforts to see them through to the end. Her voice was always present when issues needed discussion.

Named FMARC “Ham of the Year” for 2008, Stella and her late husband Mike K2UGH – SK were active in the Gulf Coast Area Repeater Club located in the region. That club merged with FMARC to form the current Ft Myers Amateur Radio Club.

In FMARC, most members became aware of Stella as the chair of two important groups. For many years she was responsible for soliciting net controls and organizing the Monday Night Meeting on the Air. She would ask for members to volunteer for the slots and gradually fill an entire year. Stella awarded those who completed a month in the position with a special “microphone pin” that members proudly wear on their green vests.

Stella was also instrumental in one of the special events that has marked FMARC for many years. She was chair of the annual commemoration of the World War II gunners school that took place at the former Buckingham Field in Lee County. She  organized, participated and took charge of sending QSL cards for the three day event. Prior to Buckingham, Stella was involved with the FMARC efforts to recognize the Ford/Edison Estates in Ft Myers with a special event.

She was a fixture during the annual awards banquet and installation of officers.

Stella’s duty was to administer the “oath” to all of the incoming officers.

For several years, Stella operated a shop at the Fleamasters location in Ft Myers.

There are no local services for Stella planned. Her wishes were to be buried with her husband in their native New Jersey. Stella will be missed by all the members of the FMARC family.