Stella Mary Giardina

Everyone’s life is the sum total of all of the people they have met, the things they have done, the places they have gone. Stella Giardina was no exception. She was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew her best, Stella will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

Stella’s life journey began on September 20, 1915. She first greeted the world in Wilbraham, Massachusetts. Her parents' names were Paul and Sophie Kozaczka. She was raised with two sisters, Julie and Mary. Stella was usually involved in all sorts of activities with her family sharing many life experiences over the years.

Stella was a typical teenager who had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. She graduated from High School of Commerce in Springfield Massachusetts in June 1931.

Falling in love is a huge milestone for any person. Just knowing that you have met that special someone is a magical feeling. Stella experienced that with Frank Giardina and the couple exchanged wedding vows on August 10, 1936. The wedding took place in the Immaculate Conception Church in Indian Orchard, Massachusetts. Empathic and loyal, Stella was committed to making her new family happy.

While everything a person does in life contributes to who they grow into, it is ultimately this same person who holds the most influence on the next generation. Stella was blessed with two children, Frank and Paul. Stella worked hard to be a good mother to her children and she did her best to fulfill their needs, raising her children in a positive and nurturing environment.

Later on, Stella was blessed with the gift of two grandchildren, Michelle Reifschneider and Lyell Giardina and one great-grandchild, Kaitlyn Siena Reifschneider.

How a person performs in the workplace can be a reflection on how they live their life. Fortunately, Stella enjoyed what she did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Stella worked diligently and did her best to succeed in each of her jobs. Stella worked at ROHR Aircraft Co. from 1948-1958, California Department of Motor Vehicles 1958-1960 and Southwestern College from 1960-1978.

A person's hobbies often mirror who they have become. Stella enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in a number of different activities, including cooking, gardening, travel and reading. She was usually willing to share her interests with others.

Stella Giardina left us on May 31, 2011. She passed away at Sharp Hospice House in La Mesa, California. She was 95 years old. The cause of death was due to complications of cancer surgery. She is survived by her son Frank Giardina, her grandson Lyell Giardina, her granddaughter Michelle Reifschneider and spouse Jeremy, her great Granddaughter Kaitlyn Reifschneider and her sisters, Julie Driscoll and Mary Then. Services were handled by Glen Abbey Mortuary. A funeral mass was held at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Chula Vista on June 9th, 2011. Stella was laid to rest at Glen Abbey Mortuary and Memorial Park in Bonita, California.

So this is Stella’s life, the sum of the woman that she became. Simply stated, Stella was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being caring and giving, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Stella leaves behind her a legacy of lifelong friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life Stella Giardina touched will always remember her with a smile.