Stella Veronica Gaul Orr

Stella was a long time resident of Waterville. The proud daughter of Annie and Joseph Gaul and younger sister to Frank “Touchy” Gaul and Al Gaul, she was a first generation Polish immigrant raised in the Elm City. While in high school, she began using her artistic talents as a hat designer and salesperson at Alvenia and Delia’s. After her graduation from Waterville High School, Stella took it upon herself to stay in the city and take care of her parents in their later years while establishing herself as a fixture in the Central Maine area in business, art and above all friendship and love. She was a proud owner of an amazing hot dog stand on Ticonic Street she bought for her father following his heart attack that gave him new life for many additional years. Also at that time she was the captain of her bowling team, The Squirts, out of the former Metro Bowl on top of Main Street in Waterville. She was also a bookkeeper at George Mitchell Company and secretary to Edmund S. Muskie while he was a member of the states Congress.

Stella married Ross Murray Orr of Watertown, NY in 1956. She became a proud mother to 2 children, Joseph and Rosselyn, and the doting grandmother to 4 amazing grand children, Kristin, Katie, Thomas and Jonathan.

During this time Stella made her indelible mark on the area in business. A lady who never met a stranger in her life, she went on to great success selling everything from magazines to Rainbow vacuum cleaners to ALA Auto Insurance until her retirement. After she retired from selling, Stella took up her paint brush and golf clubs, becoming a member of The Waterville Art Society winning awards at many a jurored art exhibit while also tearing up the links at Pine Ridge Golf Course. She also maintained a rigorous exercise regimen at Champions Health Club for many years. To top things off, Stella had a role as an extra in the movie “Empire Falls,” where she was delighted to be able to rub shoulders with movie greats Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward and Ed Harris.

Stella spent the final 18 months of her life under the dutiful and loving care of her daughter Rosselyn where she eventually peacefully passed away.

Stella is survived by her son Joseph Orr of Southlake, TX, daughter Rosselyn Hyland and husband John of Abilene TX, her granddaughters Kristin Hyland and Katie Hyland and grandsons Thomas Orr and Jonathan Orr all of Texas as well as many dear nieces and nephews throughout the country. She will be missed by them all immensely.

On line condolences and guestbook can be signed at www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations the Waterville Area Art Society P.O. Box 2703 Waterville, ME 04903-2703 or to the American Heart Association 51 US Route 1, Suite M Scarborough, ME 04074

There will be a viewing at Veilleux’s Funeral Home Tuesday July 8th from 6 to 8 PM. Funeral Services for Stella will be held on Wednesday, July 9th at Sacred Heart Church in Waterville at 11 AM followed by committal prayers at St. Francis Cemetery. Services are under the care and direction of the Veilleux Funeral Home, 8 Elm St. Waterville, ME 04901 www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com