Smith

Stella M. Smith, 95, of Butler, died Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, at the Martina Spiritual Renewal Center.

She was born Aug. 27, 1929, in Jerome, Pa., a daughter of the late Frank and Mary Nosal-Zabo. Stella was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Stella was a 1951 graduate of the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in education. While in college, she was a member of the Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority. Stella was a former teacher in the Johnstown, Altoona and Butler Area school districts. She worked specialty retail at Troutman’s, Boscov’s and Lowel’s department stores.

Stella had a profound impact on those around her, always offering wisdom, kindness and a listening ear. She never forgot a birthday, a graduation, an anniversary or any other occasion, sending a hand written note along with a treat or homemade cake. Throughout her life, she remained committed to her family, her faith and her community.

Stella was an engaged member of the St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church (formerly St. Wendelin Roman Catholic Church), Carbon Center, where she served as lector, Eucharistic minister and member of the choir. She also taught CCD and summer Bible classes. She was a proud member of the Legion of Mary, Christian Mothers and the Catholic Daughters of America.

Stella was an active member of the Butler Women’s Moose and Women’s Monday Morning Bowling League. She did volunteer work for the American Cancer Society, Mother’s March of Dimes, American Heart Association and Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. In 1972, Stella and her family were the recipient of the 21st Butler Eagle Farm Family of the Year Award.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul C. Smith, whom she married June 25, 1955, at Holy Cross Church in Jerome.

Surviving are her two sons, Paul G. “Jerry” Smith (Terri) of Orem, Utah, and Donald R. Smith (Tracie) of Medina, Ohio; four daughters, Sister Donna Smith, S.H.S., at the Sisters of the Holy Spirit Motherhouse in Westview, Mary Beth Bonomo (James) of Sewickley, Joan Smith-Myer of Grove City and Paula J. Hartley (Gene) of Windermere, Fla.; 15 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren; and her sister, Francis Badaczewski of Jerome.

She was preceded in death by three brothers and three sisters.

SMITH — Friends of Stella M. Smith, who died Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, will be received from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17, at GEIBEL FUNERAL HOME, 201 E. Cunningham St., Butler.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, at St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church, 210 St. Wendelin Road, Butler (Carbon Center). The Rev. Steven V. Neff will officiate. Everyone please meet at the church for Mass.

Interment will follow in the Parish Cemetery.

The family requests that memorial donations be made to the St. Clare of Assisi Parish, 864 Chicora Road, Chicora, PA 16024, www.saintclareparish.com; the Martina Spiritual Renewal Center, 5244 Clarwin Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15229, martinaspiritual@verizon.net; or the Sisters of the Holy Spirit, 5246 Clarwin Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15229, www.sistersoftheholyspirit.com.

For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.geibelfuneralhome.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.