Sharon Jean Stella

With deep sadness we inform you that Sharon Stella of Lawrenceville, NJ passed away peacefully on February 6, 1940. Sharon nee Hickey Stella was born into an Irish Catholic family in Paterson, NJ on November 28, 1940.

Sharon famously walked out of first grade on her first day of school and made her way home. That did not impede her education as she graduated from St. Joseph High School and later earned a B.S. in Education, an M.A. Urban Education and M.A. Counseling from William Paterson University.

Sharon's career was focused on helping the young and vulnerable. She had various roles in elementary education including as a reading specialist, special education teacher, day care center director. and migrant educator. Her career culminated in 15 years as a counselor at an Essex Co. Safe House shelter for victims of domestic violence.

Sharon lived in various towns in NJ including West Caldwell, Hawthorne, Elmwood Park, Ringwood, and Lawrenceville; and Rochester, NY making close friends of her neighbors wherever she went. Sharon made lasting friendships because of her ability to listen, help others and make people feel special. Her picturesque home in Ringwood was a popular retreat for extended family and friends because of the warmth and natural peaceful atmosphere she created.

Sharon loved nature, gardening, walking, crafting, cooking, music, and most of all spending time with her family, especially her four grandchildren. She was a lifelong learner who enjoyed reading, book club, and took up the ukulele in later years.

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Bill Cass; three children, Brian (Debbie) Stella, Jennifer Cass (Chien Dao Glasgow), and Sara (Joseph) Zesski; four grandchildren Alan Chausse, Sienna Stella, Lexi Stella, and Audrey Glasgow; and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by five beloved siblings and their spouses: Mary (Paul) Diehl, Sally (Joe) Burke, Joe (Gloria) Hickey, Irene (Vincent) Rossi, and Patricia (Jim) Harris.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence https://secure.givelively.org/donate/new-jersey-coalition-to-end-domestic-violence-inc