Stella Varmecky

VARMECKY – Stella, 92, of Virgina Beach formerly of Johnstown, died August 29, 2022. Born December 25, 1929 in Windber the daughter of John and Antonia (Cebula) Konieczny. She is preceded in death by parents; husband, William Varmecky; sisters, Helen Smulski and Virginia (Jean) Youchak; son-in-law, Thomas Repak. Survived by Son, William Varmecky III and wife Gail of Virginia Beach; Daughter, Cecelia Repak and partner Mike Chockla of Derry, PA; Grandchildren, Thomas (Dawn) Repak, Amanda (Mat) Boring, Kristy Thiel, Robbye, and William Joseph Varmecky III; Great grandchildren, Regan, Madison, Alayna, Kylee, Lee, Dominick, and Sydney; extended great-grandchildren, Thaddeus, Lillian, and Ryann; Sister, Teresa Dluhos; Sister-in-law, Jeannie Delic; extended family, Adrienne Fleming, Heather (Adam) Coleman and Stephen Fleming; and numerous nieces, nephew, and cousins indicative of large Polish and Slovak Catholic families of the 1920’s and 30’s. Stella worked for more than five decades at Bestform as a master seamstress. Married to Bill in June 1954 their time together was filled with hard work, large family outings and lots of laughter.  The family time was paramount - ranging from Polka dancing at most SW Pennsylvania venues to 40+ years of family reunions at Seven Springs. Any free time was dedicated to crocheting or knitting – everyone in the family has least one of her carefully constructed afghans. The artwork was not just good-looking, but they would last the test-of-time with rigorous use.  Her long-distance travel stories (always by car) would have all in tears with laughter.  A Christmas baby for Mine 37; she was the best gift to those that would come later as a devoted grandmother and great-grandmother. The best at baking (tollhouse cookies and homemade bread were her specialties) and from time-to-time making kielbasa. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette featured her and the family in a 2021 article that documented her pierogi-making skills and secret additives to standard recipes (Thanks, nephew Michael). A long-time member of St. Michael's Catholic Church. Special thank you to MaryKay, Joe & Weasy and their families for keeping an eye out on Mom after Dad passed 42 years ago. Stella spent the last few years in Virginia Beach where making sure the kitchen was being run properly and was quick to share a few of her secret cooking tips. She enjoyed sitting on the back porch and got her daily exercise by sweeping the decks and walkways. Staying true to her Polish palate, trips to the local specialty foods market with grand-daughter Robbye became excursions for new stories and laughs. Though late in life when one would think flexibility was not possible, she came to have a new taste for Mexican and Indian dishes. A life well lived, and she will be deeply missed. Friends will be received from 2-8 p.m. Monday at the Francis G. Ozog Funeral Home Inc., 710 Broad Street. A funeral Mass will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Michael's Catholic Church, the Very Rev. Mark S. Begly, V.F. Followed by committal at Grandview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to your favorite charity in memory of Stella.

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