Stella Marie LaFatch, 93, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014 while residing at Danbury Woods. Born on June 3, 1920 to the late Louis and Ida Aiuto, Stella was a life-long Akron resident. A long time member of St. Anthony’s Parish, she had also been a member of St. Monica’s Guild. Together with her mother and her sister, they owned the “Pink & Lace Shoppe”. She was a party and event planner long before it was in vogue. As a young adult Stella worked in the stationery department at the downtown O’Neil’s Department Store. She had many hobbies including baking, photography, gardening, and exercising, but her true love was for her husband, Carl, and extended family.

Her many memberships include the Sicilian-American Women’s Society, Patterson Park Senior Center (where she received two merit awards for faithful and exceptional service), Canasta Club, Stars, The Birthday Group, and Lolli’s Group. She was also a charter member of Kent Roosevelt High School Multi-Generational Approach to Early Childhood Education.

In 1989 she was preceded in death by her dear husband of 40 years, Carl. Her survivors include many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

A very special thank you to her loving caregivers at Danbury Woods whose “special love” touched Stella and all our hearts and to the exceptional people at Crossroads Hospice for their support and caring.

Calling hours will be on SUNDAY from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Dunn-Quigley Stow Chapel (3333 Kent Rd. at Rt. 91) where the Sicilian Ladies will hold a service at 4:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church (83 Mosser Pl., Akron). The procession will form at the funeral home at 9:15. Entombment at Holy Cross Mausoleum will follow