Stella H. (Smola) Soja

Stella H. (Smola) Soja, 100, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2024 at Sixteen Acres Health Care surrounded by her loving family. Born in Indian Orchard on March 25, 1924 to the late Felix and Helen (Powloka) Smola, she lived her entire life in the neighborhood she cherished. She was an honors student and graduate of the Technical High School, Class of ’42 where she was a proud Tech Tiger. Stella was a faithful communicant of Immaculate Conception Church and was a proud member of the Polish National Alliance and the P.A.V. She cultivated both flowers and vegetables with care, and was especially proud of her red roses and African violets. She enjoyed crocheting, crafting, and needlework and was well known for making beautiful handmade beaded angels. Stella was a regular blood donor and always responded to the need when asked.

She leaves six children: Phyllis Balicki of Westerly RI, Stanley J. Soja of Indian Orchard, Lori Sganga of Virginia Beach VA, Frances Picariello of Colorado Springs CO, Claudia (Earl) LaFlamme of Edgewater FL, and Jeffrey Soja of Wilbraham; 12 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren, along with other extended family members and friends.  She was predeceased by her parents and her husband of 70 years, Stanley M. Soja, and she was the last of eight siblings.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at 11:15am at Immaculate Conception Church, 25 Parker St., Indian Orchard followed by interment at 1:00pm at the MA Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main St., Agawam.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Stella’s name may be made to the Polish Center of Discovery & Learning at The Elms College, 291 Springfield St., Chicopee, MA, 01013. A Celebration of Life will be planned at a later date.  Nowak Funeral & Cremation Services is entrusted with arrangements. To offer online condolences to the family, please visit www.nowakfuneral.com.

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