STELLA GAWLAS
Stella Teckla Gawlas, 102, a positive and supportive wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother died peacefully on February 1, 2016. Her warm smiles buoyed the spirits of all around her, and her dedication to the happiness of others made her a beloved member of every community where she made her home.
Stella was born to Joseph and Teckla Zukowski in Pittston, PA on December 24, 1913. In her teens and early twenties, she lived in Exeter, PA and worked at a silk mill to help support her family, On November 24, 1937, she married Joseph Gawlas in Swoyersville, PA. They moved to Elmira, NY, where Stella worked at Remington Rand, Westinghouse, and served as a housekeeper at St. Patrick’s and St. Charles parishes. They later moved to Norwich, NY to be closer to her daughter. She loved volunteering as a girl scout leader, camping, fishing with her grandchildren, and being involved with her church’s Altar and Rosary Societies.
She is survived by her children, Richard, James and Mary, her grandchildren David, Rhonda, Andrea, Marcy, Bryan, Stephen and Karen and several great and great-great grandchildren. She is predeceased by her husband Joseph, sisters Ann, Nell and Stephanie, her brother John, and her granddaughter Debbie.
Stella lived her life in service to others, with a deep sense of love and charity. Her smiles will be remembered by all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Paul’s Church in Norwich, NY.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Stella will be held on Friday, February 5, at 10:30 am from St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church. The Rev. Ralph A. Bove, Pastor, will officiate. Interment will be at a later date in St. Paul's Cemetery.
There will be no calling hours.
Arrangements are with the R.J.Fahy Funeral Home.