Stefany Conte

Stefany "Stella" Conte, 89, a longtime resident of Scranton, died Monday morning at home. She was the widow of Paul C. Conte, who died Feb. 23, 1982.

Born in New York City and raised in Wilkes-Barre, she was the daughter of the late Nicolais and Anastasia Sokolosky Skalocki and stepdaughter of the late Nicolais Marhelko. She was a graduate of Coughlin High School, Wilkes-Barre, and was a member of St. Mary's of the Assumption Church, Scranton. Before retiring, she was employed by Kaltenbach's Bakery until its closing in 1988.

For more than 60 years, Stella loved to grow beautiful things in her garden. In this garden, all of her children and then her grandchildren grew to adulthood. A lifetime of beauty and growth came not by chance, but from an endless source of love, toil, sacrifice and devotion. This was the essence of Stella Conte, and her family is so grateful.

Surviving are a son, Paul J. Conte, Scranton; three daughters, Pauline Konasavage and husband, Anthony, Moscow; Marie Gaughan and husband, Edward, Moscow; and Paula Kearney and husband, Richard, Scranton; seven grandchildren, Paulette Fabricatore and husband, Thomas; Anthony Konasavage Jr. and wife, Patti; Michael Konasavage; Edward Gaughan; Gregory Gaughan and wife, Paula; Dr. Keith and Stacy Kearney; nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by a brother, John Marhelko; and a sister, Helen Elko.

The funeral will be Thursday at 9 a.m. from the Miller Bean Funeral Home Inc., 436 Cedar Ave., with Mass at 9:30 in St. Mary's of the Assumption Church. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery.

Friends may call Wednesday, 6 to 8 p.m. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the VNA Hospice of Lackawanna County, 301 Delaware Ave., Olyphant, 18447-1531. Go to www.millerbeanfh.com for additional funeral information, directions or to submit an online condolence card.