Stella Marie Bristol

IRONWOOD, Mich. - Stella Marie Bristol, 96, passed away on Tuesday, May 10, 2016, with her loving and caring family at her side.

The former Stella DeFelice was born on Sept. 10, 1919, in Ironwood, daughter of the late Antonio and Florence DeFelice and was one of 10 siblings.

Stella attended St. Ambrose Grade School and St. Ambrose High School. After graduation, Stella worked in West Allis, Wis., for the Allis Chalmers Company during the national war effort, welding on the B-29 bomber. Her outstanding precision work, notable work ethic and dedication earned her many awards and recognition as a master welder.

Returning to the Ironwood area, Stella worked at various merchandising businesses, most notably D and B Freight Sales for her brother, Armand DeFelice. She also worked at many of the family restaurants in the Ironwood and Hurley area, fondly earning the name "Pasta Queen" for her exquisite Italian cuisine.

In 1947, Stella was married to Ervin Edmark in Paris, Texas, and had two daughters, Sharon Edmark, Ironwood, and Geraldine Baksic, Ironwood. In 1953, Stella married Melvin Bristol and had two sons, Robert (Deanna) Bristol, Wausau, Wis., and Armand Bristol, Ironwood. In addition, Stella is also survived by five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Melvin preceded her in death in 1973.

Stella was a very gifted, self-taught musician, mastering three different instruments, including the accordion, organ and piano, often visiting residents at the local nursing homes, sharing her talents with music, song and a pleasant smile. She was fondly known to the occupants as the "Wandering Minstrel." She also enjoyed cooking and had an intense artistic talent for crafts and painting.

Other than her children, Stella's greatest love in life was her intense love for her Catholic faith and her dedication to her savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, and to Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, where she sang in the Church Choir, the Resurrection Choir, distributed Holy Communion to the residents at the nursing homes and to the shut-ins unable to attend Sunday Mass, and donated her personal time working at funerals and comforting those grieving for their loved ones.

Stella genuinely loved life and helped everyone she met. Being the kind, generous and compassionate person she was, no one ever came to her house without first being greeted with a friendly, welcoming smile, nor left the house hungry. She was awarded three consecutive years with the Ironwood Daily Globe's "Good Neighbor Award."

Stella took to heart Christ's promise, that if all our days were guided by His ways, He would keep us forever in His heart.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church on Saturday, May 21, with the family accepting visitors and friends beginning at 10 a.m. in the St. Joseph's Room until Mass time at 11 a.m., with Father Robb Jurkovich officiating. A luncheon will be served in the church basement after Mass.