Obituary of Stella Karas

Stella Emilia Gwozdz was born in Detroit, Michigan on October 2, 1914. She was the daughter of the late Baltazar Gwozdz and the late Wictoria (Grzybek) Gwozdz. During World War II Stella supported the war effort by working as a snipper for a local factory. Stella married the love of her life Louis J. Karas. Together they raised two children. Stella worked at Ford Motor Company for a small janitorial company for many years. Stella enjoyed working and she was a hard worker. She also cherished the time she spent with her family and being an excellent cook she loved to prepare meals for them. Stella was well known for her delicious meat loaf, beef stroganoff, and homemade chili. She had been a member of St. John Cantius in Del Ray, Michigan. She also had enjoyed the fellowship of the Polish Ladies Group at church. For the past fifteen years, Stella had made her home with son Ronald in Carleton. Stella liked to stay current on events by watching the news and enjoyed worship on EWTN. Stella Emilia Karas age 97 of Carleton passed away at 9:40am, Saturday, July 28, 2012 at Fountainview of Monroe. In addition to her parents her passing was preceded by her husband, Louis on April 14, 1988; three siblings: Joseph Gwozdz, John Gwozdz and Helen Hoffman; a son-in-law: Alexander Bandula and a grandson: James Bandula. To cherish her memory she leaves a son: Ronald (Anna) Karas of Carleton; a daughter: Rose Ann Bandula of Dearborn; a sister: Lottie Slowik of Detroit; six grandchildren; Sandra (James) Wallace, Alan (Ellen) Bandula, David Bandula, Victoria Bandula, Jeffery Karas and Katheryn Karas; and two great grandchildren: Shelby Bandula and Nicholas Bandula Friends may gather from 1:00pm until 8:00pm, Wednesday, August 1, 2012 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185, Rosary at 7:00pm. She will lie in state on Thursday, August 2, 2012 from 9:00am until the Mass of the Resurrection at 10:00am at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 2996 West Labo Road in Carleton. Procession will follow to St. Hedwig Cemetery, Dearborn Heights, Michigan for burial. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the American Red Cross or to the Salvation Army. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, send a floral arrangement, or make a donation by visiting ww.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page.