Stella (Wawrowski) Karalus

Born in Buffalo, N.Y., on March 25, 1936, Stella was the daughter of the late Alexander and Viola (nee Mogilny) Wawrowski.

Stella was a long time employee of Hills Department Store. Prior to Hills, she worked at various other local retail stores, such as, Loblaws, Gammon’s, Fedyszyn’s and Present Company.

She enjoyed playing bingo, cooking, baking, gardening, fishing, and an occasional scratch off lottery ticket. But, most of all, Stella enjoyed spending time with family and reminiscing of days gone by.

She was the life of the party at family gatherings and loved the holidays and celebrating polish traditions. Stella was also a proud member of the Bills Mafia and an avid Buffalo Sabres fan. She was a long time member of St Hyacinth/Blessed Mary Angela Parish.

On June 11, 1955, she married Bernard W. Karalus Jr., who predeceased her on Dec. 26, 1982.

She is survived by her daughter, Catherine (Thomas) Reilly; her son, Mark (Diane Sell) Karalus; grandchildren: Brandon (Katie) Reilly, Alexander Reilly, Christopher Reilly, Mark Karalus Jr. and Katelyn Karalus; also one great-grandson, Patrick Reilly.

Stella was the second youngest, she was predeceased by nine brothers and sisters: Henry, Alexander, Anthony, John, Laura, Mary, Rita, Josephine and Pearl. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. in Blessed Mary Angela Roman Catholic Parish Church of St. Hyacinth. Interment will be in St. Hyacinth’s Cemetery. There will be no prior visitation and flowers are gratefully declined.

Arrangements are by the R. Mackowiak Funeral Home Inc., 56 E. Doughty St., Dunkirk.