Stella Firos

3/3/1921 – 4/11/2010
Birthplace: Olean, NY
Last Resided in: Bellingham, WA
Service: Vigil
Location: Westford Funeral Home
Date: Thu. April 15, 2010
Time:7 pm
Service: Mass of Christian Burial
Location: Church of the Assumption
Date: Fri. April 16, 2010
Time:12 noon
Obituary
Stella H. Firos, age 89 of Bellingham, passed away April 11, 2010. She was born March 3, 1921, in Olean, NY, to Stanley & Louise (Salomon) Harenda. Stella was a lifetime member of the Catholic Church. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend, and will be remembered for her “magic table.”
Stella was preceded in death by her husband, Peter J. Firos, and infant children Francis Anthony and Rita Monica. She is survived by her children Peter (Julie) Firos of Arizona, Anna (Don) Hudson of Minnesota, Philomena (Mike) O’Rourke of Oak Harbor; Marcia (Daniel) Dallacasa of Texas, Lucy (Patrick) Stackhouse of Bellingham, Patty (Patrick) Turpin of Renton, and Mike (Renee) Firos of Bellingham; 9 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren.
A Vigil will be held at Westford Funeral Home on Thursday, April 15 at 7 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Church of the Assumption on Friday, April 16 at 12 Noon followed by burial at Greenacres and a reception at the Assumption Gym.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hope House c/o Assumption Church, 2116 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225 or a charity of your choice.
Guestbook
Date: 4/13/2010
From: Peter & Marie Pavlik
City/State: Bellingham, Washington
Dear Lucy & Family, Pete & I are so sorry for your loss. We saw your mother, not long ago, at the grocery store, and traded some polish words with her. Pete used to tease your mom by calling out “S-T-E-L-L-A” whenever he would see her. We used to compare recipes for cabbage rolls. We really got to know your mom when Pete & I co-chaired the Harvest Festival for a time. Your mother wanted Pete & I to come visit her so bad, and we never made it, and we feel so bad about that. Please know that your mom was very special and much loved. Pete & Marie Pavlik
Date: 4/13/2010
From: Hank & Kathy Poortinga
City/State: Bellingham, WA
Mike, We want you to know that we are thinking of you & your family as you mourn the loss of your mom. It’s been YEARS since we’ve seen you, but you were working at the Herald when our boys had their paper routes, and remembered you when we read of your moms passing. Just know that we care. The Poortinga family
Date: 4/13/2010
From: Cosie Akita
City/State: Bellingham, WA
My mother-in-law, Marilyn Akita, asked that i send a card on her behalf. She knew Stella a little bit and I had taken Stella to her New Year’s Day family celebration at least once and Stella had loved it.
Date: 4/13/2010
From: Chris & Dorothy Goldsmith
City/State: Bellingham, WA
Mike, We were so sorry to read of your mother’s passing. Please know we are thinking of you during this difficult time. God Bless.
Date: 4/13/2010
From: Donna Beach
City/State: Bellingham, Wa
My deepest sympathy and condolences to the entire family. Stella was a very dear friend of mine. We met when I moved into the Woodrose apartments 4 years ago. Our Polish heritage was one of the strongest things we had in common. I already miss her but I know that she is in a beautiful place with God and his angels in heaven. Stella made me feel as though I were a part of her family. She was a very very special person in my life. God bless her and all of you.
Date: 4/14/2010
From: Susan Prosser
City/State: Lynden, wa
Thank God for your mother’s life. Such a wonderful lady with a great family. I have many fond memories of Stella. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Date: 4/15/2010
From: Cathie Applegate (Owens)
City/State: Bellingham
Mike and Renee I am so saddened by your moms passing. She was so fiesty and made things interesting at Woodrose. I was honored she and Renee wanted to help for my wedding. She put a smile on my face everytime we talked. I know she is now in a much better place. Cathie
Date: 4/15/2010
From: Jane Westerfield
City/State: Bellingham, Washington
To Stella’s dear family, I was saddened to hear of your loss, when I arrived home from vacation…She was a very dear friend to my mother-in-law at Woodrose…they lived next door to each other and Stella, bless her heart, would listen in the morning for Elsie and if she didn’t hear anything going on in her apartment, she would either call me or check on her herself. Stella loved to bake and always shared her wonderful treats with Elsie…and would always leave a sample of whatever she baked for me. I would thank Stella and tell her how good it was and you guessed it, the next day there would be a handwritten recipe waiting for me when I visited my mother-in-law. Two of the recipes I can think of now are for Hobo Bread and her famous Oreo Balls…I will treasure these recipes. She was a special lady who was always thinking about others and how she could make life better for them. I know she loved her family as she always talked about them so lovingly… I know Elsie would want me to send her thoughts and condolences to you all, with much appreciation for her caring ways. She had already missed their daily checker games when Stella first had to move from Woodrose.. It was wonderful knowing Stella and I will miss her smile and greeting. Warm thoughts to you all, Love, Jane Westerfield
Date: 4/16/2010
From: Elizabeth Laverty
City/State: Westborough, Massachusetts
When i think of Stella i think of generosity,kindness and gratitude. Some of my fondest memories from my childhood were spent in the presence of the Firos family where i learned that love and an open heart are more precious than any posession, that faith can conquer any hardships you run into along the way…….I remember the laughter, the food and the joking even when things were not what we wished them to be………My deepest sympathies go out to the Firos family and my heart is heavy at the moment………..but it won’t stay that way because Stella and Pete wouldn’t want me to feel that way…….so from the bottom of my heart and with sincere gratitude i say thankyou Stella , for making me feel welcome and a part of your family…….and for the memories of you, Pete, Peter, Philomena, Marcia, Anna, Lucy, Patty and Mike……the world is a better place for her being here and i am a better person for having known her……..my only regret is never telling her these things……..God Bless you Stella and Pete………..i know that you are in his loving care…….
Date: 4/16/2010
From: Friend
City/State: Houston, Tx
Just wanted to express my condolences to your family and share an encouraging thought from the bible found at John 5:28,29 which is giving us a hope of a resurrection. A time when we will be able to see our loves ones it again. It says “Do not marvel at this for the hour is coming when all those in the memorial tomb will hear is voice and come out” etc………… What a wonderful hope dont you think?
Date: 4/16/2010
From: Darla Mork
City/State: Bellingham, Wa.
Thinking of you and your family, may the Lord be with you. Your mother was a lovly lady, I know her when I took Dorothy to meeting. She work hard for the Church, She is home now. Darla
Date: 4/16/2010
From: Mary Jennings
City/State: Bellingham, Washington
My mother, Helen, was Stella’s neighbor at Woodrose. I am reflecting back to October, 2007 when my mom first told me of her new friend, Stella. I was very grateful that she was very bold in introducing herself and making Mom feel welcome. She really took Mom under her wing and informed her how things worked there. They were the same age and had some things in common as my Dad was Polish. Mom grew up in a tiny town in southern Washington called “Stella” which seemed to seal their relationship. It was a pleasure to finally meet her and witness her care and concern for the welfare of others and her spirit of giving to all she came in contact with. I enjoyed sharing produce from my garden with her as well as home made pickles because she was always so appreciative. I always admired the “spunk” she had at her age and was amazed she was a regular at the Mariner’s Spring training camps! I will miss chatting with her when I come to Woodrose. Thank you all for being such good children to her!
Date: 4/16/2010
From: Giesen Family
City/State: Bellingham, WA
Firos family – We remember Stella everyday. We are the family that bought your family home on I Street. When we walk around the house we often wonder what it was like for all of you to grow up in the house with Stella as your mother. We still find signs of your family – especially your names carved in the wall as you go down the outdoor steps to the basement. We all still love seeing the carving of “ODIF”. Before we moved in Stella gave a doll to our daughter Kate, who was 2 at the time. The name of the doll is Stella. Please feel free to stop by anytime you want to see your old home, we would love to hear stories of your lives with Stella. Jeff, Janet, Kate and Will Giesen
Date: 4/18/2010
From: Annette Padlo(Feyrer)
City/State: Olympia, WA
I am sorry about the loss of your mother. Stella was a very caring and loving person. She took care of everyone and everyone enjoyed being taken care of. I liked the pictures that were on the obituary online page. Take care and know that we are praying for you. Dolly’s family
Date: 4/19/2010
From: Margaret Gallman
City/State: Bellingham, WA
Mike & Family, I was sorry to hear about your Mom. She had an extraordinary life. Take care. Margaret