Stella Decibus

(Home News Tribune)

STELLA DECIBUS
AGE: 79 CARTERET
Stella Decibus (Tracz), 79, a lifelong resident of Carteret passed away Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010, after a lengthy struggle with cancer. Stella attended Union County College and Kean University becoming a school teacher in St. Elias and Holy Family Schools in Carteret for many years, retiring in the mid 1980's. As a parishioner of St. Demetrius Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral she enjoyed being a member of its many organizations including the PTA, the Sisterhood of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Ann's Auxiliary (serving as secretary), and the church choir where she was a former director. She was also a member of the Carteret Historical Committee, the Carteret High School Class of 1949 Reunion Committee, and the Carteret crochet and craft club. She took joy in donating her handcrafted items to local hospitals and charities. Stella always loved music, especially playing the organ and accordion as well as singing in many school shows. She also enjoyed her collection of owls given to her by family and friends. Stella was an avid supporter of the Carteret Specials and loved to travel with the group, most recently cruising to Bermuda. She was instrumental in her grandchildren's education, being proud of all their accomplishments in and out of the classroom.
She is predeceased by her husband of fifty-four years, Dominick "Dick" 2004; her parents, Peter and Anna Tracz; her brother, Richard Tracz 1993; her son-in-law, Raymond Novak Sr. 1995. She is survived by her children, Diane Morgan and her husband Charlie of Black Hawk, Colorado, John Decibus and his wife Maria of Carteret, Nancy Novak of Carteret; six grandchildren, Jennifer, John II, Andrew and Amy Decibus, Christopher and Kenneth Novak; great grandson, Qorey, her ray of sunshine who brought a smile to her face every time his Nana saw him. Her cat Zoe and dog Princess will sadly miss her.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday 9:30 am from the Chubenko Funeral Home 625 Port Reading Avenue, Port Reading followed by a 10:00 am Funeral Service from St. Demetrius Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral Carteret with interment to follow at Rosehill Cemetery, Linden. Visitation will be Tuesday 2 pm - 4 pm and 7 pm - 9 pm at the funeral home. Parastas services will be held at 7:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations made in Stella's memory will be distributed according to her family's wishes. For directions or to send online condolences please visit www.Chubenkofh.com.