PITTSFIELD – Stella Stafford, 92, died Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012, at Pittsfield Rehab and Nursing, Pittsfield, after a brief illness. She was born June 9, 1919, in Monessen, Pa., daughter of the late John and Martha (Sowinsky) Lupinsky.
After graduating from high school, Stella became a nanny and traveled to many states during which time she met her late husband, Master Sgt. Fred C. Stafford at a USO in Illinois.
After Fred’s tour of duty ended in 1945, they moved back to Pittsfield. Stella was a loving wife and stay-at-home mom who provided a loving, nurturing home for her family.
Her passion for preparing nourishing meals brought her family to the dinner table with great anticipation. She was a person of strong values and believed in the goodness of people and helping those in need. She was a member of Bethlehem Chapter Order of the Eastern Star of Pittsfield.
She is survived by her daughter, Cynthia Lewis and husband, Ronald, of Pittsfield; sons, Bruce Stafford and wife, Maryjane, of Winslow and Wyatt Stafford of Pittsfield; grandchildren, Maj. James C. Lewis and wife, Cheryl, of Fort Bragg, N.C., William E. Lewis of Newport, Ryan Stafford and wife, Debbie, of Chicago, Matthew Stafford of North Hampton, N.H., Samantha Stafford and Wyatt Stafford, both of Pittsfield; great-grandchildren, Courtney and James Lewis, both of Fort Bragg, N.C., William and Nathaniel Lewis, both of Newport and Isabella and Grace Stafford, both of Chicago; brother, Jack and wife, Barbara, of Palm Harbor, Fla.; sisters-in-law, Betty Lupinsky of Pennsylvania, Malinia Lupinsky of Minnesota and June Stafford of Stillwater; brother-in-law, Douglas Stafford and wife, Thelma, of Florida; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Fred C. Stafford; four sisters, Helen, Jean, Anne and Josephine; and four brothers, Chester, Edwin, Aleck and Stanley. Stella’s family extends their heartfelt thanks to the caring staff at Pittsfield Rehab and Nursing. Their nurturing and passionate care of Stella, especially the last few weeks of her life, made for a peaceful transition.
A graveside service will be held in the spring at Village Cemetery, Peltoma Avenue, Pittsfield. Those wishing to do something special in Stella’s memory might reach out to a neighbor, call an old friend or help someone in need. Care for the family has been provided by Shorey-Nichols Funeral Home, Pittsfield. To leave a message of kindness for the family, please visit
www.shoreynichols.com.