Sharon Stella

1940 - 2024

Sharon Stella departed her faith-filled life on Jan. 2, 2024, at Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital, St. Joseph, following an extended illness.

Sharon was born on Jan. 7, 1940, in Michigan City, Ind., to the late Grace (Brodwolf) and Walter O'Connor.

Surviving is her beloved husband of nearly 60 years, Robert Stella. Also surviving is her best friend and sister, Sandra Webb of New Buffalo. Other survivors include, her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Theresa and Paul Hack of New Buffalo and Georgia "Toots" and Ronald Stella of Holland, Mich.

She was proceeded in death by many beloved brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law including, Art and Ange Stella of Arcadia, Calif., Frank and Isabel Stella, Phil and Mary Stella, Ange Rizzo, and Harold "Tooter" Webb all of New Buffalo.

Other survivors include countless nieces and nephews, as well as great-nieces and great-nephews. Some of the nieces who remained very close to Sharon were Angela (David) Prusa of Stevensville, Lisa Pasula and Jeanette (Kevin) Raymond of Laporte, Ind. Other surviving nieces include Andrea (Don) White of Paw Paw, Felicia (Chuck) Stone of Wimauma, Fla., and Melissa Webb of Chesterfield, Mich.

She was a 1957 graduate of New Buffalo High School and was crowned Miss New Buffalo the same year.

After high school, she graduated from Twin City Beauty College and worked as a hairdresser for more than 40 years for her sister-in-law, Ange Rizzo, who owned and operated La Petite Beauty Salon.

Sharon and Ange alike were so proud to have maintained the same customer base throughout all their years as beauty operators. Their customers were like family to both. The beauty shop was a fascinating place where women gathered and not only got their hair done, but socialized and formed lasting friendships. In short, it was really a magical place that is forever cemented in the history of New Buffalo. If it was still in existence today, it would make for great reality TV!

The wedding of Bob and Sharon merged the Stella and O'Connor families, forever enhancing Aunt Sharon's life. Sharon loved all her in-laws as if they were blood relatives and immersed herself in their Italian heritage. We would always joke that our Irish-born Sharon was a "true Italian." She had a great love of cooking, especially Italian foods. She loved preparing Italian recipes that were handed down from her in-laws.

For many years, Bob and Sharon vacationed for three weeks every August in Hawaii. They looked so forward to their Hawaiian vacation each year. They met and made many friends during their time in Hawaii. They would stay at the same hotel every year.

Although Sharon held family dear, nothing was more important to her than her love of God and her faith. She was a lifelong member of the Catholic church, initially in New Buffalo and then later in Three Oaks. She also sang in the church choir.

Her hobbies included watching University of Michigan sports, reading cookbooks, watching the Pioneer Woman on the Cooking Channel, and attending church.

Sharon and Bob had three dogs over the course of their marriage, which included Garcie, Ollie and Paddy. Those dogs were so important to both, and they loved them until the end.

Generosity was one of Sharon's greatest attributes. She was constantly sending donations to the food bank, the homeless shelters, and the humane society.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 6, at St. Mary of the Lake Church in New Buffalo, with Father Basker Lopez officiating. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery in New Buffalo. Visitation with the family will be from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 5, at the Sommerfeld Chapel, 15 N. Barton St., New Buffalo, MI.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Michiana Humane Society at 722 IN-212, Michigan City, IN or to the Misericordia Home, 6300 N. Ridge Ave., Chicago, IL 60660.

Friends wishing to leave the family a message of condolence may do so at www.sommerfeldchapel.com.