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Dixie Stolfa Obituary
Dixie "Ma" Stolfa, born in 1943, peacefully entered heaven after bravely living with Alzheimer's. Even as her memory faded, her warmth, humor, and boundless love remained.
Ma devoted her life to caring for others, especially children. She raised five children with unwavering love, Todd (Tommy) Stolfa, Doug Stolfa, Deanne (Todd) Perring, Tony (Molly) Stolfa, and Nikki Stolfa. She spent many years shaping countless little lives through her beloved daycare. To Ma, every child was family.
She shared a beautiful life with her late husband, CJ Stolfa, who preceded her in death.
She was the daughter of Donald and Mildred Stein and was later blessed with a loving stepfather, Frank Williamson. Ma was preceded in death by her father, Donald; mother, Mildred (Frank); stepfather, Frank (Mildred); brother, Ronald (Shirley) Stein; and sister, Shirley Miller-Horner. She is survived by her brother, Donald (Phyllis) Stein, Jr.; stepsister, Bonnie (Gerry) Callahan; and many loving family members.
Among her closest companions were her wonderful sisters-in-law, Chris Kraft (Ed) and Camille Cornwell (Bob), who were not only family but lifelong friends and constant sources of joy.
Ma's legacy lives on through her 11 grandchildren, Krista (Dustin) and Christopher (Lacy) Stolfa, Maggie (Ryan) Perring Leake, Patrick Perring, Macie Perring, Ellie, Cooper, and Kate Stolfa, and Joey, Isabella, and Bodie Kiper, as well as 7 great-grandchildren and 1 great great-grandchild.
Her joy was in the simple pleasures: long walks, sunny days, country music turned up loud in her PT Cruiser with the windows down blasting Toby Keith, and cherished moments with her family at the Beachcomber in Longboat Key.
She was our Ma, and her love leaves footprints on every life she touched - just like the sandprints she cherished at the Beachcomber.
Cremation rites have been accorded. The family will hold a private celebration of Ma's life at a later date.
Memorials may be made in her name to Central Catholic High School Athletics Department, 1201 Airport Rd, Bloomington, Ill., or Peoria Children's Hospital (for the compassionate care given to her grandson, Christopher).
To express condolences online, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.
Memories and Condolences
for Dixie Stolfa
Sponsored by Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home.
Debbie Stumm
December 9, 2025
Dixie was my backyard corner neighbor for years and my sister's classmate.
I remember seeing her on her many walks around the neighborhood. I also remember Gary our mailman who wrote a note below and how the neighborhood children looked forward to seeing him on his route. My sympathy to Tony and his family.
Jerrilyn Flynn
December 2, 2025
My condolences to the whole Stolfa family. Dixie, CJ, Mike & I had many good times together over the years. Whither it was vacationing at the Beachcomber, peeling and eating boiled shrimp on Lateet Drive or going out to eat I have many wonderful memories.
She handled her disease so graciously may she rest in peace. God bless Dixie.
Linda K. Schlosser
December 2, 2025
Our condolences to the family. From her two counsins
Linda K. (Stein) Schlosser &
Marilea (Stein) Capodice
Roger Shoup
December 1, 2025
So sorry for your loss
How you can show support
carol kiley
November 29, 2025
Mixed blessing for all of the Stolfas and extended loved ones! I took care of Dixie´s nails for many years and loved her spirit, she was in such great shape and back then walked many miles all over Bloomington and Normal, loved her family and put them all first, loved the Sun and adored every child she cared for and followed their lives long after she was their child caregiver! Loved by so many people and missed by all...including me! My heartfelt condolences to all!
Vera Taminger Reeves
November 27, 2025
Dixie has been a sweet friend of mine since Kindergarten at Sheridan Grade School. I loved how Dixie cared for so many youngsters at their home, giving them each a wonderful start in life. Once we moved to Texas, I didn´t see her as much but we remained friends and we would get together when I went back to visit my family and friends in Bloomington/Normal. I have wonderful memories of all the fun times we had with Connie all those years. Thanking God for her life.
Barb Cherry Jenkins
November 26, 2025
She was a great lady! As a child my parents lived next door to them and she was like a second mom to me. They would have me put on my P.J.'s and take me with them to the drive-in movies on Friday night! Another memory was she always had plastic covers on the couch and chairs and that was before kids. (Had not seen that before) When they started having a family I would babysit for Todd and Doug...Loved the family! CJ hit it off really well with my dad because he had played fast pitch softball for the State Farm Chiefs and at the time CJ was coaching. Only Great Memories of your family!! Condolences
Nancy (Dehart) and Jim Shipley
November 26, 2025
What a beautiful tribute for a gentle, loving soul. Condolences to all that loved and cherished her.
Gary Keist
November 24, 2025
Condolences to all family of Dixie. I was the mailman of 18 Lateer Drive for 29 years. I enjoyed every minute I had seeing and chatted with her. She was unique and enjoyable
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