Obituary of Stella Van De Wynckel-Gleason

Stella Van De Wynckel-Gleason (1933-2022)

Although she had some material ready for a few more quilts – God called her home.

Stella Van De Wynckel-Gleason passed away Saturday, March 12 at the Chatham Kent Hospice.  She was born to the late Anna(Romaniw) and Nick Lucyk.  Stella is predeceased by her two wonderful husbands, Cyril (1994) and John “Jack” (Dec. 2021). In Mom’s words – “I was lucky to love twice.”  Loving Mother of Ann Riegling (Brad Bergey) and Nicole Stevens (Ron, 2015). She was the BEST BABA in the world to Rebecca Cook (Brandon), Ronnie Stevens (Lindsay Lucato) and Justin Stevens (Jacelle Morrison), and the BEST PRAVA BABA to Kensley Cook.  At the age of 79 when Stella married Jack she was blessed to have Jack’s children enter her life. She will be fondly remembered by Tom (Deb), Ellen (David), Carol (Finn), Carrie (Michael) and Colin (Karen) and their beautiful children and grandchildren. 

Stella is predeceased by her twin brother Steve (2017) and his wife Judy Plaunt (1986), as well as Cyril’s family – Alice Ramboer (Vic), Odlyn (Mary), Robert and Jean Gleeson (John). She is survived by Mary Van De Wynckel.  Lovingly remembered by many cousins, nieces and nephews. 

Stella was a talented, articulate, smart and independent woman in so many ways. Although she worked full time as a book keeper at Dover Auto Wreckers (the family owned business) until she was 58 – Stella found time to read, travel, collect dolls from around the world, needlework,  make sequins Christmas stockings and QUILT. She took pride in everything she did, and we have beautiful handmade treasures that we will cherish forever. She found great pleasure in going to 5 or 6 quilt/fabric stores in a day to find the right colour or pattern of fabric she needed. She would go with Cyril, Jack, or countless quilting friends she cherished over the years. Even though she was looking for a particular piece she would often walk out of the store beaming with fabric, patterns and a magazine for a totally different quilt.  Other quilters will understand that beam. Stella was an original member of the Chatham Kent Quilters Guild as well belonged to St. Joachim, Stoney Pointe, Woodslee Stitching sisters and West Pascoe Florida Guild.  Stella loved to travel and was so lucky to travel to Ukraine, Belgium, England, Scotland, Japan, Medjugorje and most recently with Jack to Israel, Egypt, Turkey and both coasts of Canada.  Rebecca was born 2 weeks after Cyril passed away and for the last 28 years – Rebecca, Ronnie and Justin have been the highlight of her life. She enjoyed naps, and doing sudokus, and crossword puzzles with them but most of all was ensuring they knew they were loved and would always be fed at Babas house.  Baba cherished every moment either together or on the phone. Often when she was asked what she was doing today – she would reply – put your thumb and first finger together meaning absolutely nothing and she smiled as the kids went off to school or work.  Stella had a deep faith and she reminded us daily with Grace Before Meals - to be thankful for God, what God has given us and most importantly thankful for each other. So please take time for Grace Before Meals.  Stella was blessed with close friends throughout her years and appreciated every shopping trip, lunch date, call, card and visit.  We would like to thank Bayshore, VON and Hospice for their kindness and care. But in particular Mom would like to thank Dr. Bailey for her understanding, guidance,  love and patience over the years.  Stella would also like to thank Georges P. Vanier Catholic School Staff for bringing her and her family a delicious dinner every day for five weeks while she was ill. The gesture of kindness truly warmed our hearts. 

Friends and relatives may visit Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home, 156 William St. S. Chatham (519-352-5120) on Wednesday March 16, 2022 from 2-4PM and 7-9 PM.   A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday March 17, 2002 at 11 AM in St. Agnes Church.

Burial will be in St. Anthony’s Cemetery. 

If desired, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Chatham Kent Hospice Foundation.