Stella S. LaFata

Stella S. LaFata, 94, of Springfield, died at 1:39 a.m. on Monday, March 28, 2016 at St. John's Hospital. Stella was born December 27, 1921 in Springfield, the daughter of Stanley and Agnes B. Swerplus. She married Sylvester "Syl" LaFata on October 27, 1945 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Springfield; he preceded her in death. Stella was a 1940 graduate of Lanphier High School and worked as the secretary and bookkeeper at St. Joseph Church and School in Springfield from 1960-1995. She also volunteered at St. Joseph Church and St. Joseph Home, was a past member of Brinkerhoff Home and past treasurer of Villa Angela. Stella was a member of the Quester Group and Dust Collection Group and enjoyed knitting, quilting, cooking, traveling, and crossword puzzles. She was also preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Mary Watson and Agnes Gudausky; and one daughter, Joanne Morris. She is survived by two children, Mary Lynn (husband, John) Timko of Kingman, AZ and Thomas "Tom" (wife, Mickie) LaFata of Springfield; one son-in-law, Sam Morris of Scottsdale, AZ; five grandchildren, Brad (wife, Janine) Timko, Mark (wife, Beth) Timko, Nick (wife, Danielle) LaFata, Andy LaFata, and Ben (wife, Becky) LaFata; two step- grandchildren, Jarrod (wife, Erin) Morris and Missy Morris; and ten great-grandchildren, Anthony, Nathanial, Nicole, Riley, John, Sky, Liam, Mia, Henry and Sophia. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 10:00-11:45 a.m. on Friday, April 1, 2016 at St. Joseph Church, 1345 N. 6th St., Springfield. Funeral Mass: 12:00 p.m. on Friday, April 1, 2016 at St. Joseph Church, with Rev. Patrick Render, C.S.V. celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1345 N. 6th St., Springfield, IL 62702.