Stella Ann Oleksiak, 90, died November 17, 2016 at Spring Arbor West in Hendersonville, North Carolina. She was born on February 10, 1926 in Newark to the late Joseph and Anna Rosin. Stella received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Montclair State University; she was the first in her family to graduate from college. She enjoyed a successful career as a high school teacher with the Livingston public school system, teaching a variety of subjects including English, history and sociology. She was instrumental in developing the high school’s independent studies program, and served as a mentor to students in the program. In 1975 she received the Hannah G. Solomon award from the Livingston Division, National Council of Jewish Women, to honor her dedication to teaching and her students. Stella would continue her love of learning and teaching throughout her life. In 1947 she married Edward S. Oleksiak and together they raised two children, Edward J. Oleksiak and Linda O. Zembron. She spent her retirement years in Normandy Beach, New Jersey; Estero, Florida; and Toms River, New Jersey, where she enjoyed competitive tennis, painting, dancing and spending time with family and friends. She moved to Hendersonville, NC in 2009 to be near her son and daughter-in-law who facilitated her care at Lake Pointe Landing and later at Spring Arbor West. Stella was predeceased by her husband, Edward; her four siblings, Peter Rosin, Helen Buddie, Alexandra Hall, Sophie Arnashus; and by her cherished companion John Bass. She is survived by her son E.J. (Carol) Oleksiak of Hendersonville, North Carolina her grandson Joseph (Elizabeth) Oleksiak and great-grandson Finley of Portland, Oregon; her granddaughter Katherine Oleksiak Kalama and great-grandson Coda of Waialua, Hawaii; her daughter Linda (John) Zembron of Ridgefield, Connecticut; her grandson John Edward (Lauren) Zembron and great-grandchildren Lily and Jack of Medfield, Massachusetts; her granddaughter Anne Zembron of Portland; her sister-in-law Alice Oleksiak; and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the staff of Spring Arbor West and Four Seasons Compassion for Life for the loving care they provided to Stella. Services will be held on Wednesday, December 7 at Our Lady of Angels Chapel at Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville. Interment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington, New Jersey after the New Year. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 581 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731 ...
