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Helen Marie “Stevie” Stephenson Della Pietra

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Birth	:	10 May 1921 Superior, Nuckolls County, Nebraska, USA
Death	:	4 Aug 2014 Naugatuck, New Haven County, Connecticut, USA
Burial	:	Middlebury Cemetery, Middlebury, New Haven County, USA
Coordinate	:	41.5341988, -73.1264038
Description	:	Helen M. "Stevie" Della Pietra, 93, passed away peacefully on Aug. 4, 2014, at Beacon Brook Health Center in Naugatuck. Stevie moved to Middlebury in 1952 with her husband, Dr. Alfonso Della Pietra. She lived in the same home - also the location of her late husband's medical practice, the Middlebury Orthopedic Group - for more than 60 years. Born Helen Marie Stephenson, Stevie grew up in Superior, Neb., a rural town of 5,000 residents, profiled by The New York Times in 2003 with the headline: "Amid Dying Towns of Rural Plains, One Makes a Stand." The daughter of Richard J. and... Read More	Helen M. "Stevie" Della Pietra, 93, passed away peacefully on Aug. 4, 2014, at Beacon Brook Health Center in Naugatuck. Stevie moved to Middlebury in 1952 with her husband, Dr. Alfonso Della Pietra. She lived in the same home - also the location of her late husband's medical practice, the Middlebury Orthopedic Group - for more than 60 years. Born Helen Marie Stephenson, Stevie grew up in Superior, Neb., a rural town of 5,000 residents, profiled by The New York Times in 2003 with the headline: "Amid Dying Towns of Rural Plains, One Makes a Stand." The daughter of Richard J. and Olive Stephenson, Stevie's childhood was marked by the Depression, which affected their closely-knit community of small businesses and family farmers. As a young teenager, Stevie worked in her father's IGA grocery store as a stocking clerk and cashier. She graduated from Superior High School and attended Webster College in St. Louis, Mo., where she majored in nutrition, receiving a bachelor of science degree. After one year as a nutritionist in a Detroit hospital, Stevie moved to New York City where she worked at Polyclinic Hospital in Manhattan. There she met her husband. They were married in Superior, Neb., in June 1946. While in New York, Stevie was hired by Hearst Publications, where she worked for "Good Housekeeping Magazine" and was part of a team that tested appliances and products seeking to achieve the famous "Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval." She maintained lifelong relationships with her co-workers from this company and enjoyed periodic reunions with her former colleagues for decades. After her first son was born, Stevie and her husband moved to Hartford for a year before settling in Middlebury. Dr. Della Pietra's practice developed in the region, where he was chief of staff at Saint Mary's Hospital and an attending physician both there and at Waterbury Hospital. During this time, Stevie became the accountant and business manager of her husband's practice, while raising her two sons. Stevie once said that she wanted to be remembered: "for making good potato salad." She was only half kidding, and her remark spoke volumes about her. Stevie loved to bring family and friends together over good food, drink, and laughter. She had a generosity of spirit, born of values that were lived more than talked about. During her years in Middlebury, Stevie became affiliated with and supported many community-based organizations. She participated in reading programs for young children at the local public grammar schools and at the Middlebury Library, where she was also a part-time librarian. Stevie was an active parishioner at St. John of the Cross Church in Middlebury, as a member of the Women's Auxiliary Society, supporting various missions of the church and, until one year ago, continued to volunteer for duty in maintaining the vestry linens for the parish. For more than 20 years, she was a member of the Middlebury Garden Club, and belonged to several bridge, sewing and video clubs. In addition, for decades, and without fanfare, Stevie was a volunteer for the American Cancer Society, providing transportation for patients needing medical treatment. While nothing trumped the home-fires, Stevie also loved to travel. Her curiosity and aesthetic sense took her across the U.S. and all over the world, both when she was married and for many years, thereafter. Stevie knew and befriended generations of families on her street and in her Middlebury neighborhood. Many of them were treated to fishing in her pond; conversed with her when they would pass by and find her outside, weeding, or proudly showed off their Halloween costumes when they went trick-or-treating. She was always there to help a family member, friend or neighbor, but never wanted public acknowledgment for her good deeds. Stevie did make good potato salad; she also made a very good life. Stevie is survived by two sons, Stephen J. Della Pietra, and Richard A. Della Pietra and his wife, Carlina F. Della Pietra; a sister-in-law, Dolores (Della Pietra) Sirica and her husband, Dr. Andrew Sirica; her granddaughter, Mia F. Della Pietra; and nieces Jennifer Sica, May Della Pietra and Katherine Sirica Barbeau. She is also survived by friends, her church, and the Middlebury community she cherished, nurtured and enjoyed. In addition to her husband, Dr. Alfonso Della Pietra, Stevie was predeceased by her sister, Mrs. Betty Ruth Asmussen. Stevie's family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the Harold Leever Regional Cancer Center, with special thanks to Dr. Kert Sabbath and Ms. Karen Hammond A.P.R.N.; the staff and administration of Beacon Brook Health Center of Naugatuck; Vitas Hospice of Middlebury; and Deacon Neil Culhane, for the kind and compassionate care they gave Stevie during the last years of her life. Waterbury Republican American - Aug. 6, 2014

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is Helen Marie “Stevie” Stephenson Della Pietra's memorial?
Helen Marie “Stevie” Stephenson Della Pietra's memorial is located at: Middlebury Cemetery, Middlebury, New Haven County, USA.
When did Helen Marie “Stevie” Stephenson Della Pietra death?
Helen Marie “Stevie” Stephenson Della Pietra death on 4 Aug 2014 in Naugatuck, New Haven County, Connecticut, USA
Where are the coordinates of the Helen Marie “Stevie” Stephenson Della Pietra's memorial?
Latitude: 41.5341988
Longitude: -73.1264038

Family Members:

Parent

Richard J. “Dick” Stephenson

(1893 - 1970)

Olive Sarah Black Stephenson

(1896 - 1980)

Spouse

Dr Alfonso Della Pietra

(1917 - 1969)

Siblings

(unknow - unknow)

Richard Donald Stephenson

(1922 - 1922)

Dorothy June Stephenson

(1927 - 1928)

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

1. Middlebury Cemetery
Middlebury, New Haven County, USA
Coordinate: 41.5341988, -73.1264038

2. Saint George Episcopal Memorial Garden
Middlebury, New Haven County, USA
Coordinate: 41.5290870, -73.1135360

3. Lake Elise Cemetery
Middlebury, New Haven County, USA
Coordinate: 41.5219994, -73.1386795

4. Gunntown Cemetery
Naugatuck, New Haven County, USA
Coordinate: 41.4907990, -73.1046982

5. Town Cemetery
Waterbury, New Haven County, USA
Coordinate: 41.5499880, -73.0518210

6. Riverside Cemetery
Waterbury, New Haven County, USA
Coordinate: 41.5494003, -73.0477982

7. Saint Patrick Church Grounds
Waterbury, New Haven County, USA
Coordinate: 41.5434036, -73.0454788

8. South Cemetery
Woodbury, Litchfield County, USA
Coordinate: 41.5407982, -73.2091980

9. All Saints Episcopal Church Memorial Garden
Oakville, Litchfield County, USA
Coordinate: 41.5885620, -73.0856160

10. Library Park Cemetery
Waterbury, New Haven County, USA
Coordinate: 41.5544205, -73.0458832

11. Orton Family Plot
Woodbury, Litchfield County, USA
Coordinate: 41.5488777, -73.2097855

12. Old North Cemetery
Woodbury, Litchfield County, USA
Coordinate: 41.5506070, -73.2096290

13. New North Cemetery
Woodbury, Litchfield County, USA
Coordinate: 41.5519280, -73.2106860

14. Saint John's Church Memorial Garden
Waterbury, New Haven County, USA
Coordinate: 41.5566350, -73.0440540

15. Old Watertown Cemetery
Watertown, Litchfield County, USA
Coordinate: 41.5993996, -73.1138992

16. White Oak Cemetery
Southbury, New Haven County, USA
Coordinate: 41.5057907, -73.2092590

17. Jack's Hill Cemetery
Oxford, New Haven County, USA
Coordinate: 41.4658012, -73.1303024

18. Saint Francis Cemetery
Naugatuck, New Haven County, USA
Coordinate: 41.4955902, -73.0491104

19. Hillside Cemetery
Naugatuck, New Haven County, USA
Coordinate: 41.4933420, -73.0498120

20. Oak Street Cemetery
Naugatuck, New Haven County, USA
Coordinate: 41.4909210, -73.0507736

21. Sacred Heart Cemetery
Southbury, New Haven County, USA
Coordinate: 41.5015717, -73.2125702

22. Evergreen Cemetery
Watertown, Litchfield County, USA
Coordinate: 41.6082993, -73.1235962

23. All Saints Cemetery
Waterbury, New Haven County, USA
Coordinate: 41.5218735, -73.0273056

24. Southford Cemetery
Oxford, New Haven County, USA
Coordinate: 41.4621086, -73.1568069