Stella Furda

Stella (Golda) Furda, 93, passed away at home on October 18, 2025 with her son and daughter by her side.
Born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, she grew up in Newark (Down Neck/Ironbound) and then moved to Middlesex, Bridgewater, and Lakewood, New Jersey; ending up in Ashland (near Squam Lake "On Golden Pond"), New Hampshire. During her school years in Newark, she excelled in archery and bowling. In her 20's, she would attend midnight mass in Newark with her childhood girlfriend Elbe. Afterwards they would go to nightclubs with Polka or Jimmy Dorsey bands before driving down to the Jersey shore in her father's old red Ford pickup.
Stella worked at Western Electric and many other jobs before retiring after 20 years as a guidance counselor secretary from Eisenhower Elementary School in Bridgewater, New Jersey.
Once retired, she worked part-time at Sitar Realty Company in Sea Girt, New Jersey. She enjoyed family time vacationing at the Jersey shore in Seaside Park and Lake Winnipesaukee in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. Besides many U.S. vacations and ocean cruises, two of her biggest trips were to the Panama Canal and Poland (especially being 100% Polish).
Surviving are her children Michael Furda and Sandra Hurd and her husband Howard, her granddaughters Stephanie Hurd and partner Curtis Morris, Kathryn Ness and husband Geoff, and her two great-grandchildren William and Elizabeth Ness. Also, surviving are her brother Cas Golda, sister-in-law Betty Golda, nieces, nephews and cousins and childhood friend Elbe Ramsthaler.
She is pre-deceased by her husband Richard Furda and her daughter Jennifer, her parents Frank and Paulina Golda, brothers Edward and Bruno, and close friend Jeaninne Kissel.
Stella always thought of her family and others first. She was known as the "Energizer Bunny" as she never sat still. Behind the scenes she would help people in need (family, friends, neighbors); whether illness, caregiver to a spouse, going through a tough time, or just because. She would assemble care packages; anything from desserts, leftovers, or handwritten notes. Her notes, which were heartfelt and/or nonsensical, eventually evolved into her writing poetry. In her late 80's, she began submitting poetry to her community monthly publication. She continued to write poetry after she moved to New Hampshire. Most of her 20 poems are compiled in a book showcasing her talent, a true family heirloom.
There will be a funeral mass on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 11:00 am at Saint Katharine Drexel Parish, 40 Hidden Springs Road (off Route 28), Alton, New Hampshire.
If desired, donations can be made in memory of Stella Furda to Saint Katharine Drexel Parish (P.O. Box 180, Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, 03894) towards their Charity account.
At a later date there will be a gathering at the cemetery chapel at St. Anne's Cemetery in Wall, New Jersey; details to follow.