Stella Andrews (Polmateer)

Stella was born on September 7, 1929, the middle daughter of Ted and Ruth Polmateer. She was born and raised in Escanaba during the Great Depression. She often said that although money was tight, her house was always filled with laughter, family and love. Stella was raised Catholic and had a deep faith that guided her throughout her life.

She was in the convent during her sophomore year of high school. There were many things she loved about life at the convent but missing her family was greater. She continued her service in the church throughout her life.

She met her husband Bruce while out with friends dancing at the Dells. After a night of dancing the groups ended up at Tommy’s, the place to go in their day after a night out, and the rest is history. They married in 1953, celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary in February 2023, a month before Bruce passed.

During those 70 years they raised three children, moved 11 times, traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and Canada and faced many good times and tough times together.

Stella’s favorite hobby was cleaning! Stella was the only one who did not have a junk drawer! With all of their moves, Stella enjoyed decorating every house she lived in.

Moving back to the Escanaba area after Bruce’s retirement allowed Stella to reconnect with many of her childhood friends including her best friends Pam Bisson and Darlene Bichler. She kept busy in her retirement volunteering at OSF hospital in the surgical waiting room and supported Bruce’s involvement in many local organizations. Stella often said she was very shy as a young girl; having to make new friends in many different towns broke through that shyness. She came to enjoy the social opportunities afforded her through Bruce’s activities as well as her own.

Family was very important to her. While growing up her parent’s house was filled with aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. Stella enjoyed visiting her grandparents in Manistique and playing with her Auntie Sarah. She and Bruce made it a priority to stay connected and involved with both of their families. It allowed their children to have close relationships with their extended families.

Spending time with her adult children and their families was one of the highlights of her life. Watching her grandsons grow up and have families of their own gave her much joy in her later years. Visits from them were priceless.

Stella was interested in each of her great grandchildren. She loved sending them cards for the many holidays with a little money inside for a treat! Her apartment at West Highland was filled with pictures of all of her family.

Stella is joining her husband Bruce and son Steven who passed away in 2023. She missed them immensely but continued living independently and finding joy in each day. Her family will remember the strength she showed during tough times in her life, her love of Jesus and the love she showed each one of them. Our hearts are broken at her passing but know she is rejoining her many loved ones in heaven and is at peace.

Stella will be sadly missed by her son, Sidney and daughter in law, Betty; daughter, Julie (Brian); grandsons, Ben (Lauren), Steven (Carolyn), Samm, Timm (Ashley), Macky; great-grandchildren, Isabella, Easton, Bauer, Lexi and Rowan; brother-in-law, John (MaryAnn) Andrews; special friend, Janelle (Pat) Mineau; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bruce; eldest son, Steven and his daughters Sara and Samatha; her son-in-law, Robert Lewis; parents, Ted and Ruth Polmateer; sisters, Lorraine (Bob) Vannberg, Shirley (Jack) Keefe, Patricia (Ray) Menard, and Jean (Bucky) Derouin; in-laws, Sid and Sophia Andrews and sister-in-law, Helen (Ray) Wells.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at the Holy Cross Cemetery Chapel on Saturday, August 24, at 10 a.m. with Rev. Timothy Ferguson officiating. Burial will immediately follow.

A message of condolence can be directed towards the family at www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net.

The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the family.