Obituary of Stella M. Valikonis

Stella M. Valikonis, 92, of Dunntower Dr., Rochester, NY and formerly a resident of Amsterdam, NY, passed away Wednesday morning November 14, 2007 at the E.L. Wilkinson Residential Health Care Facility in Amsterdam with her family at her side. Born in Scotia, NY on September 25, 1915 one of 11 children of Stanley and Rose Ausfeld. She attended Scotia schools. She met her husband John Valikonis at a dance at Carp?s Park off Church St. in Amsterdam. They married on May 1, 1938. She was employed as a sewing machine operator at the former Chalmers/Montco in Amsterdam until retiring at age 65. She was a very good cook making delicious galumbki, pierogi and the best potato salad. She was an excellent seamstress making clothes for her daughter and herself. She had lots of good times at camp at McMurray?s campfires and family poker games. She loved Polish Music and enjoyed dancing the polka of which she was quite a good dancer. Stella lived in the East End of Amsterdam with her family for over 44 years. Stella and her husband traveled to Hawaii, Acapulco, Bahamas, Florida and Las Vegas. After living in Las Vegas for 9 years, they moved in with their daughter Patty in Rochester in 1971. After living with her for 6 months they moved into a senior apartment. There she enjoyed bingo and her crochet group. Stella always made friends with everyone, always giving hugs and kisses. After her husband John passed away in 1992 she grieved and moved on with life. She enjoyed taking trips with Patty to Las Vegas. Many times she was quite lucky, but she had a good time whether she won or lost. As she became weaker, she had aides and a visiting nurse in her apartment. On September 20th, 2007 she became a resident of the E.L. Wilkinson RHCF. Stella?s life was full of goodness, caring and love. We should all try to be just a little like Stella to make the world a better place. Stella is survived by one son, John A. Valikonis Mary Ann of Edinburg, NY. One daughter, Patricia Wyszomirski William of Moravia, NY. One sister Loretta Capello Frank of Schenectady, NY and one brother, Edward Ausfeld also Schenectady. Eight grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren. A daughter-in-law Patricia valikonis of Greenville, S.C. Former daughter-in-law, Charlotte Valikonis. Many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. She was pre-deceased by her son Richard Valikonis in September of 2006. Funeral services will be held on Saturday November 17, 2007 at 8:30A.M. at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam followed by a Funeral Mass at 9:30A.M. at St. Casimir?s Roman Catholic Church, Main St. Amsterdam. Interment will be in St. Casimir?s Cemetery, Amsterdam. The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday November 16, 2007 from 4:00 to 7:00P.M. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Arthritis Foundation of Northeastern New York, 1717 Central Ave, Suite 105, Albany, NY 12205.