Stella B. Smith OBITUARY
Stella B. (Bolanowski) Smith, 99, of Topton, passed away on Monday, February 5, 2024 in The Lutheran Home at Topton. She was the widow of Robert A. Smith, who died in 1981. Born in Rome, NY, Stella was a daughter of the late Joseph and Pauline Bolanowski. Stella was a graduate of The Danforth Campus of Washington University, Saint Louis, MO, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. She was a private music teacher for many years, taught for a short while at a private school, and did some substitute teaching in the Philadelphia area. Stella was a dedicated parishioner of Saint Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Kutztown, where she was a member of the Faith Sharing Prayer Group and served as a Eucharistic Minister. She also helped make thousands of pierogies for the church bazaars and fundraisers and taught the art of pierogi making to fellow volunteers over the years. Mrs. Smith was also a member of the former Topton Women’s Club, Volunteer at The Lutheran Home at Topton, she enjoyed crafting, especially Christmas ornaments, and she was an accomplished seamstress. Stella is survived by her son, Robert J., husband of Lynn G. (Grookett) Smith, Lower Gwynedd, Montgomery County; son-in-law, William H. Potters, Lebanon, widower of predeceased daughter, Eugenie A. (Smith) Potters, who died November 1, 2022; four grandsons, Ian Smith, Adam Smith, Eric Smith, and Michael Potter; and a great-grandson, Lou Smith. In addition to her husband, daughter, and parents, Stella was predeceased by a sister, Helen (Bolanowski) Trela; brothers, Henry Bolanowski and Theodore Bolanowski; and a grandson, Jeffrey Potter. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. in Saint Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 14833 Kutztown Road, Kutztown, with The Reverend John Maria, as Celebrant. Interment will follow in Resurrection Cemetery, Wescosville. Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the church. The family requests contributions be made in Stella’s memory to Saint Mary’s R.C. Church, 14833 Kutztown Road, Kutztown, PA 19530. Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc., Topton, is in charge of arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.ludwickfh.com.
