Stella Mazur

1932 - 2018

Stella Mazur (Mantolesky), on Saturday, December 8, died after a protracted illness. Born in Hartford, CT in 1932, Stella was the fourth child of parents who emigrated from Poland in the early 1900s. She graduated from Hartford High School in 1950 where she was a majorette with baton skills and a member of the badminton team. She entered the Hartford Hospital School of Nursing after graduation, but left when her mother became ill. Stella married Robert Mazur (deceased 2011) in 1959 and they had two children, Karen and Robert. They moved from their home in Hartford, CT to Swarthmore, PA in 1963. Stella became a teacher’s aide at Swarthmore Elementary School in 1968 where she worked until she retired. Her great joy was tutoring immigrant children in English and other studies. She had a strict demeanor, but also a silly side, and was much loved by the students, with whom she kept in contact for many years. In later years, Stella and her husband travelled all over the world, but their favorite place was always Hawaii, with the ever-beautiful landscapes and the fascinating volcanoes. Stella had a lifelong interest in China and was an avid reader of Chinese history. She had a passion for books, puzzles, and museums and shared that with others. Though serious illness plagued her in her last decade, friends remember her as brave, feisty, and full of a ready sense of humor even in extremely difficult times. Survivors: She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Karen and Chris Larsen; a son, Robert; two grandchildren, Ricardo Larsen (wife Claire) and Raul Larsen; and two great grandsons, Joseph and Finley. Viewing/Burial will be private. A Funeral Mass will be offered on Thursday, December 27, 2018, at 10 a.m. at St. Agnes Church, 233 West Gay St., West Chester, PA. A luncheon at Maris Grove in Glen Mills, PA will follow.