BELFAST - M. Stella Pelletier, 85, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Oct. 22, 2016, due to complications from dementia. Her parents, Augustin J. and M. Adele Dionne, predeceased her along with her husband of 46 years, J. Douglas Pelletier.

Her daughter, Donna M. Pelletier, her son Paul E. Pelletier, her granddaughter, Cache D. Pelletier, and two sisters, Roberta A. Dumont and M. Geraldine Quirion, also went to be with the Lord and Savior in an untimely manner.

Stella is survived by her remaining children, Roxanna S. Westbrook and her husband, Mike, of Avoca, N.Y., Sandra J. Russell of Belfast, Mark D. Pelletier of Belfast, Luke W. Pelletier of Avoca, N.Y., Mathew J. Pelletier and his wife, Cindy, of New Port Richey, Fla., John R. Pelletier and his wife, Penny, of Vestal, N.Y., and Joshua L. Pelletier of New York City. Stella so enjoyed her 11 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. Her remaining siblings, who also survive her, are J. James Dionne and his wife, Nancy, of Hartford, Conn., M. Joanne Gurney and her husband, Gene, of Portsmouth, N.H., and J. Ray Dionne and his wife, Mary, of Winslow; and a brother-in-law, Norman Quirion and his wife, Mary.

Stella and Doug moved in 1964 with their six children to Avoca, N.Y., where they made room for yet three more children. Stella's love for children and anyone in need was her greatest passion. Her ability to care for her large brood of kids, and many times family members who would come and stay with them, is a true testament to her selfless giving that she was so well known for. Stella was not only a caregiver in her home, but in her later years worked outside the home continuing her love of helping others. Becoming a Franciscan was a proud accomplishment in her life. She enjoyed being involved with her local church in Avoca and when Doug retired years ago, they moved to Belfast where she continued her dedication to the church for many years there as well.

Stella was the kindest of souls. Her son, Joshua, would say "if they don't let her into Heaven, I don't want to go there either. Because wherever she is, that's the real place where the kindest and the finest of us go in the end." The rest of us concur. We are so very lucky to have had her in our lives and she will be greatly missed by us all.

A memorial mass will be held Thursday, Oct. 27, at 11 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church on Court Street in Belfast.

Arrangements are under the care of Riposta Funeral Home.