Stella Matusewski

Stephanie “Stella” Matusewski of Pine Island, a laborer with the Walter Chimelowski Farms in Pine Island, entered into rest on Wednesday, July 31, 2013, at The Valley View Center in Goshen. She was 98.

The daughter of John and Anna Sielski Gerczak, she was born July 18, 1915, in the Village of Florida.

She was a member of St. Stanislaus Church in Pine Island, a former member of the PLAV Ladies Auxiliary and a member of the Pine Island Senior Citizens.

Survivors include her five daughters: Christine Burns of Monticello; Joan Galiski and husband John of Florida; Helene Wesolowski and husband Casimir of Bloomingburg; Sandra Koselnak of Seneca, S.C.; and Deborah Sztendor of Pine Island; nine grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; one great great grandson; brother Stanley “Cookie” Gerczak of Texas; and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband Benjamin C. Matusewski and several brothers and sisters as well as three sons-in-law: John Burns, Robert Sztendor and Edward Koselnak.

A funeral Mass was celebrated Aug. 3 at St. Stanislaus Church in Pine Island. Burial was in St. Stanislaus Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Valley View Center for their care and support.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Stanislaus Church Restoration Fund or to the Pine Island Fire Department, PO 159, Pine Island, NY 10969.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the T.S. Purta Funeral Home.To send a condolence online, please go to www.purtafuneralhome.com.