Stella C. Florida

Stella C. Florida, 101, passed away on September 21, 2022, in Pittsburgh. She was born on March 10, 1921, in Washington, a daughter of Frank and Blanche Filary, who passed away in 1931, six months apart from each other. Leaving their children as orphans, Stella and her two sisters lived as wards with different families. Stella lived with Dr. Meyers B. Horner, Superintendent of Washington School District, until she left high school. At the start of WWII, while still in school, she worked for a Defense Department project at the Duncan Miller Plant. She then went on to work in the Ford Willow Run Airplane Factory near Detroit during WWII. She became skilled in grinding engine parts for the B-24 Liberator bomber. In addition, she also worked evenings as a nurse’s aid in a local metropolitan hospital, and as a soda jerk on weekends. After the war, she returned home to Washington and worked in the old RCA Factory located in Canonsburg. She later worked in Tygart Valley Glass Plant (Brockway) until 1963. She studied Cosmetology and received her license to practice, opened her very own beauty shop in her home where she worked until retiring in 2006. Stella had many skills enjoying knitting, sewing, crocheting which she utilized to make hundreds of blankets for Project Linus which benefits children from abused homes. She also enjoyed toll painting, furniture restoration, and chair caning. She was a marvelous cook and enjoyed providing nutritious meals for her family. On June 22, 1946, Stella married John L. Florida, with whom she spent 56 years with, until his passing on January 10, 2002. Also preceding her in death are her siblings, Francis Filary West, Violet Filary (who died as an infant), Kathryn Filary Chehovin, and Ann Filary Rocco, as well her infant daughter, Darlene Florida, who died at birth in August of 1950. Surviving is a son, Richard L. (Kristin) Florida who was born on October 30, 1947. Grandchildren, Jordon M. (Joni) Florida, great grandchildren; Logan Florida who is 17 years old, Landon Florida who is 15 years old, and Liam Florida who is 14 years old. In addition, surviving are many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and other relatives who lovingly called her Aunt Stella. Friends and family will gather on Monday, September 26, 2022, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where a blessing service will be held on Tuesday, September 27, 2022, at 1:00 p.m., with Rev. Tom Lewandowski officiating. Interment will follow in Washington Cemetery.