PITTSFIELD – Stella W. Ryan, 68 years old, of Pittsfield, and formerly of Oxford, passed away April 1, 2010.
She was born Dec. 7, 1941 in Wells Bridge, the daughter of Arnold & Helen (Marzulla) Whitehill. She spent her childhood in the Wells Bridge, Sidney, Masonville and Unadilla areas. She was a graduate of SUNY Morrisville in 1991 as a registered nurse. Stella was a CNA at the NYS Veterans Home from 1978-1991. In 1991 she became a registered nurse and worked as a supervisor at the Vets Home until her retirement in May of 2004. She also worked for Public Health as a traveling nurse and taught CNA classes at BOCES prior to her retirement.
She married Leon Ryan on Aug. 17, 1985.
Stella is survived by her children: Darleen Wyman & special friend Kristen Smith of Port Crane, Robert (Michelle) Wyman of New Berlin and Ronald (Robin) Wyman of New Berlin; grandchildren: Bridgitt, Peter James, Chelsi, Michael, Wyatt, Linzy, Courtney & Mason; 10 great grandchildren; brothers and sisters: Antonette Gascon of Florida, “Duffy” Lona (Kenneth) Hartwell of Mt. Upton, Sheldon (Portia) Whitehill of Unadilla, and Henry “Hank” (Peggy) Whitehill of Gilbertsville.
She was predeceased by: Arnold (Marta) Whitehill Jr.; Larry (Carol) Whitehill; Frank (Maxine) Whitehill & Haskell Whitehill.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Dakin Funeral Home LP, New Berlin.
Stella was a great sister, mother and friend to all. She was very proud to become an RN at the age of 50. She enjoyed her special Sundays with her sister and best friend Duffy as well as their lawn sale and shopping trips together. She was a self-made interior decorator/ demolitionist. Some of her fondest last memories were of visiting her sister Tony and brother, Frank in Florida. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Memorial donations may be made to your local Red Cross or the Catskill Area Hospice.