Kulpmont – Stella G. (Paldine) Narke, 98, of 1261 Scott St., passed away in the loving arms of her three daughters, in the home in which she was born, on Monday, January 18, 2021.

She was born in Kulpmont on February 12, 1922, the daughter of the late Joseph and Genevieve (Bozza) Paldine.

Stella attended Kulpmont schools and worked at the Shamokin Woolen Mills and then as a cloth inspector at Anthra Textiles in Kulpmont.

On November 24, 1945 she married Frank R. Narke, who preceded her in death in 2008.  They were married for 62 years upon his death.

Stella was a faithful lifelong parishioner of Church of the Holy Angels, formerly St. Mary's, Kulpmont. Her faith was important to her and she instilled those religious values in her daughters.  In her younger years, Stella volunteered at the annual Holy Angels picnic.  When her health prevented her from volunteering, she still looked forward to attending the event, placing her chair close to the band. Stella was also a member of the Golden Angels until her health declined.

Christians are called to serve others and Stella was a perfect example of this.  She spent her adult life selflessly attending to the needs of others:  caring for her mother, children, her Aunt Helen, grandchildren, neighbors, and ultimately her husband, Frank.  Stella did all this and more, never calling attention to herself, never expecting accolades or praise – a true sign of Christian humility.  Stella had the virtue of kindness.  She always saw the goodness in others.  God blessed her with a kind heart.

Another love of Stella's was dancing.  In her younger years, Stella could be found dancing the "jitterbug" at the Sugar Bowl in Kulpmont.  She was also known to showcase those same dance moves at the weddings of her grandchildren.

She enjoyed many summer vacations to the Outer Banks with her family and we will always remember our traditional spaghetti dinners and her wise words regarding her grandchildren on the beach – "watch those kids!"

Stella was known to be an excellent cook and baker, creating many happy memories with her family around the kitchen table. Trading recipes with friends was a favorite hobby.  She also loved to sew and crochet, many times coming to her children's and grandchildren's rescue with a much needed costume.

Stella was blessed to have wonderful caregivers who we will always be grateful for, but especially Miriam, who was Stella's faithful friend and caregiver for the past ten years.  God sends you what you need, and Miriam was surely sent by God.  We would also like to thank Kathy for her loving care and spending the last two years by Stella's side.

Stella is survived by her three daughters, Jolene Narke, of Harrisburg, Paula Swartz and  her husband, Paul, of Elysburg, and Lisa Bradley and her husband, Tom of Elysburg; six grandchildren, Patrick Swartz and his wife, Andrea, of New Jersey, Amanda Sbriscia and her husband, Keith, of Massachusetts, Breanna Echelmeier and her husband, Dave, of Boiling Springs, Emily Swartz and her fiancé, Jacob Horan, of Mount Carmel, Timothy Bradley and his wife, Elizabeth, of Loyalsock Township and Tamara Snyder and her husband, Bryan, of Elysburg; four great-grandchildren, Eily and Mac Echelmeier, Noah Snyder, and Liam Bradley.  She also would have welcomed another great-grandchild this spring.  In addition to her husband and parents, Stella was preceded in death by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, August and Josephine (Ravenis) Narke; and a brother, Andrew Paldine.

In memory of Stella, and the kindness she bestowed on this world, do something kind for someone today.

FUNERAL NOTICE

Stella G. (Paldine) Narke, 98, of 1261 Scott St., Kulpmont – A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 25, 2021 in the Church of the Holy Angels, 855 Scott St., Kulpmont with Father Andrew Stahmer officiating. Face masks and social distancing guidelines will be strictly followed. Viewing and Burial will be private. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions can be made to Guardian Angels Outreach Center, Holy Angels Church, 855 Scott St. Kulpmont, PA 17834. Arrangements are in care of C. J. Lucas Funeral Home Inc., 1053 Chestnut St., Kulpmont, Malcom C. Farrow IV, Supervisor. To send condolences to the family please visit www.cjlucasfuneralhome.com