Obituary of Irma Jean Stellatino

Irma Jean Stellatino of Lodi passed away peacefully on Monday, May 28, 2007, at the age of 88. Irma was born on September 11, 1918 in Hibbing, Minnesota to Rinaldo and Theresa Fena. She moved to California at the age of 13 and attended local schools, graduating from Lodi Union High School. On November 14, 1937, she married John Stellatino, a marriage that would produce 68 years of love and devotion, as well as four wonderful daughters. Her life was dedicated to her children; she was the heart of her home. Irma was a fabulous cook, an art she perfected over many years. She leaves fond memories of many camping, hiking, and fishing trips with her children and in later years with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also cultivated a beautiful garden that was famous for its gorgeous roses. She will be remembered as a cherished wife, caring mother, loving Noni and wonderful Great Noni. Irma also spent many years as a member of St. Anne's Catholic Church and St. Joachim's Catholic Church. Irma is survived by her daughters; Marlene Katzakian and her husband Art of Elk Grove, Theresa Williams of Lodi, and Ginger Newell-Maggio and her husband Rudy of Lodi, her grandchildren; Michelle Rishwain, Michael Siemering, Wendy Garibaldi, Kara Newman, Lori Gipson, Jennifer Foust, Brandon Newell, Chad Newell, Craig Katzakian, 13 great-grandchildren, brothers; Toby Fena of Lodi and Robert Fena of Silver Springs, Maryland, and sister; Eva Cernac of Eureka. She was preceded in death by her husband John Stellatino last May and by her daughter JoAnn Siemering in 1989, as well as two brothers and one sister. Friends are invited to visit on Wednesday from 3 pm until 8 pm and Thursday from 8 am until 8 pm at Lodi Funeral Home, 725 S. Fairmont Ave. in Lodi. Services and committal will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Irma's memory be made to the Loel Senior Center, 105 S. Washington Street, Lodi, CA 95240 or the Alzheimer's Aid Society, PO Box 1824, Sacramento, CA 95812.