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Royce, Stella Stella Royce passed away on Saturday, November 16 at the age of 92. She was born Stanislawa Kowalczyk in Hamtramck, MI. When both of her parents passed away within five years of her birth, her older sister, Mary, helped find guardians until Stella reached an age where she was able to work for her room and board – this while attending and graduating as Salutatorian from Greenville High School. With a loan from a Greenville family, she enrolled and received a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin. Fluent in Spanish and interested in international relations, she then served as a secretary in the Foreign Service in the Dominican Republic and Mexico City. During a visit back to Michigan, she met Charles Royce, and after a brief courtship, they made arrangements to marry a few weeks later in Mexico City. This began a 62-year partnership, which included raising four children, operating a family business, the Royce Rolls Ringer Co. and sharing a deep love for and commitment to the West Michigan Community. Stella enjoyed music throughout her life. She was a soprano soloist, active volunteer, and board member for the St Cecilia Music Center, as well as a multi-decade member of the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus. In addition to St Cecilia, she served on the boards of several other local organizations, including the Grand Rapids Symphony and Opera Grand Rapids. She and Charles attended, supported and championed numerous arts, cultural, educational, and other charitable institutions and received local, state and national recognition for their philanthropy. Stella was preceded in death by her husband Charles, sister Mary Franks, daughter Martha Edwards, and son Matthew Royce. She is survived by her daughter Maria (Paul) Hesse, son Charlie (Angie) Royce, Jim Edwards, Terri Royce, nieces, nephews and nine grandchildren. Stellas's family would like to thank her many thoughtful friends, and the dedicated caregivers at Porter Hills Harmony Hall and Emmanuel Hospice. A celebration of her life is planned for Saturday, November 23 from 1-3 pm at St Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom Ave NE in downtown Grand Rapids. A brief sharing of memories will take place at 1:30pm. For those who would like to give a gift in Stella's memory, please consider making a donation to the St Cecilia Music Center or the charitable organization of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by The Family.
Stella was an incredible mentor and friend to our family. She inspired us to make music for all the best reasons. Practicing and raising our young family was fun and meaningful with her support and encouragement. She often shared her story with us and helped us to believe in ourselves and our dreams. Too, she was a wonderful Godmother to our 3 children. We will always remember Stella and her love of music and musicians...and us!
Yuri and Lina Vasilaki
Friend
November 12, 2020
I will forever remember Stella’s and Chuck’s support, friendship, and radiant smiles. Music was such an important part of their lives, and I am deeply honored to have known them both. ❤
William Patterson
Friend
November 11, 2020
Dear Maria and Charlie and families, your mom mentored me when I took over the Jr.Clubs and Scholarship programs at St. Cecilia so many years ago. They were supportive of so many endeavors. Came thru for us when we took the Youth Chorale to New York way back in the mid 1980's when Anton Armstrong was the conductor and also supported me with kind words when I had a term as President of St. Cecilia. They are both missed so very much.
June Huissen
June Huissen
November 23, 2019
Maria, Charlie and family,
Your mom and dad were angels to the arts community. I was deeply saddened to hear about Stella's passing. She was an amazing woman and was a wonderful role model for so many women, including me. Your mom and dad left an enormous footprint in Grand Rapids. I will never forget Stella's sparkling wit, broad intelligence, charm, kindness, and graciousness. Her passion for the arts and her willingness to give 100 percent of herself to causes she believed in will be deeply missed. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Marcia McEvoy Madden
Marcia McEvoy Madden
November 22, 2019
Maria and Charlie and family
We were so fond of your parents so many wonderful memories we think of their love of music and the arts, their generous support in our community such a lovely family such warm smiles and generous hearts. Please know that our thoughts are with you during this significant time. We are sad that we will not be able to attend the memorial service since we are in Florida. We will miss them greatly. Much love to you. Dick and Barbara Young.
Dick & Barbara Young
November 21, 2019
Marie and Charlie, my thoughts are with you.Your mom was always so nice to me. I'm grateful for her love and moral support .
Trudy Royce
November 20, 2019
Charlie, Angie and family - Our condolences on the loss of a wonderful lady.
Thinking of all of you -
Mark, Bobbie and Rory Landauer
November 20, 2019
To the Royce family. Sorry for your loss. Cliff use to talk about her a lot. I met her a few times and she was a beautiful and gracious woman. May you find comfort in all the memories you have of her in your heart. Pat Cole
November 19, 2019
I am so deeply saddened to hear about her passing. She was an amazing woman and a wonderful role model for so many women, including me. She had such a huge footprint in Grand Rapids and beyond. Her sparkling wit, broad intelligence, kindness, passion for the arts, and generosity will be deeply missed. RIP Stella. You were a beautiful soul that made a real difference in our world.
Marcia McEvoy Madden
November 19, 2019
It was an honor to know such an amazing lady. My deepest sympathy to all the family.
Beth Lepak
November 19, 2019
My thoughts, and prayers are with you...
God Bless all
November 18, 2019
My condolences to the family. God-Bless.
Jeffrey DeBoer
November 18, 2019
To my cousins, Marie & Charlie, I join Trudy in sending condolences. Hugs from the northern family!
Sue Walters
November 18, 2019
What a life well lived. Always thoughtful of others. God bless you Stella. ❤Carol Lopucki
Carol Lopucki
November 18, 2019
To my cousins Marie and Charlie I send my love and deepest condolences. Your mom was so nice to me when I was growing up.
Trudy Royce Royce
November 18, 2019
Imagine my surprise when I find myself at a table with Fred and Lena Meijer and their guests, Chuck and Stella Royce. I will never forget how wonderful they all were. Mr. and Mrs. Royce were so welcoming to me and my wife (as were Mr. and Ms. Meijer) and when the event ended and dinner was over, we felt so fortunate to have met all of them. It would be weeks later when my cell phone rings. The Royces wanted us to use their tickets to one of the largest events of all time at DeVos hall. I do not know how they found my number, but apparently Mrs. Royce and my wife briefly discussed the event (and how excited my wife was) so she insisted we take them up on their offer. We did. Wonderful people.
Rest in peace Mrs. Royce.
Anonymous
November 18, 2019
What a great life! This world was lucky to have her presence. Sending love and comfort to your family as you grieve. Raeni Conner
November 18, 2019
I have so many happy memories of Stella's and Chuck's support of our New World String Quartet in Grand Rapids. They were both jewels of humanity and I will certainly miss them. In my heart, their smiles and their passion for music will always live on. Yours sincerely, Bill Patterson
November 18, 2019
So sorry to hear of the loss of Mrs. Royce. She was a lovely woman inside and out! Thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers! Karen and Paul
Karen Belfer
November 18, 2019
We loved your mom so much. She was an amazing woman, and enhanced our childhood memories in so many ways. She and your dad were also wonderful godparents to our children. We feel blessed that she was a part of our lives.
With love, Yuri and Linda Vasilaki
November 18, 2019
Maria & family,
What an amazing and beautiful life Stella lived. Your mom and dad were part of the heart of the Symphony and loved by so many. I will always remember their kindness and genuine nature.
You have my deepest sympathy in the loss of your mom. She was a terrific lady!
Jamie Groom
November 18, 2019
I am so sad to hear this. She was a wonderful and very positive person. She and Chuck were the dynamic duo around West MI. She will be missed.
Susan Schwartz
November 17, 2019
Chuck and Stella were wonderful people and good friends. Blake Forslund and I would play cribbage with Chuck at their condo, and Stella was a gracious hostess. They were champions of the arts and very generous donors. What wonderful memories they left behind.
Andy De Vries
November 17, 2019
To the Royce family: Your Mom and Dad were beloved by the Grand Rapids community and beyond. Stella was such a caring and sharing woman with her talents and treasures. My sincerest codloences to you all.
Wendy Stock
November 17, 2019
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