Stephanie Hamalainen

Stephanie "Stella" (Magiera) Hamalainen, 94, of Juniper Lane, Rutland, passed away on Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at the Christopher House, Worcester. Her husband of 55 years, Arthur W. Hamalainen died in 1992. She leaves three daughters, Helen Hamalainen with whom she lived, Margaret Hammons of Vero Beach, Fla. and Stephanie Langelier and her husband Daniel of Marlborough; her son, William Hamalainen and his wife Mary of Sanford, N.C.; a sister, Jennie Berthiaume of Uxbridge; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; eight great great-grandchildren; a close niece, Helen Jakshtis of Rutland and several other nieces and nephews. Five brothers and three sisters predeceased her. Stella was born and raised in Worcester, daughter of Stanley and Nellie (Czarnota) Magiera, and lived in Worcester before moving to Rutland 20 years ago. She worked in housekeeping for the College of the Holy Cross for 18 years, retiring in 1986. She was a member of St. Patrick's Church in Rutland and a former member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Worcester. Stella cherished her grandchildren, enjoyed word puzzles and her backyard, playing bingo and was an avid Red Sox fan. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, May 1, in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. Stella's funeral will be held on Monday, May 2, from the funeral home with a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick's Church, 290 Main St., Rutland. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Donations in her memory may be made to the Rutland Fire Brigade Rescue Fund, 240 Main St., Rutland, MA 01543. To share a memory or express a condolence visit, www.milesfuneralhome.com.