Stella Mae Black passed away on January 2, 2023 at the age of 77 after a courageous battle with Lewy Body Dementia. In the days leading up to her death, she was surrounded by the love of her adoring family as her favourite church hymns, gospel songs and cherished works of music played in the background.

Stella married the late Stanley Black in 1967. They lived happily together in the quaint and charming hamlet of Mystic, Quebec for over 50 years. After becoming widowed, Stella moved to Ottawa, Ontario so she could live out the remainder of her years with the people she loved most in this world, her only child and grandson. Stella is survived by her daughter Shelley, grandson Anderson, son-in-law Robin, former son-in-law Elmar and brother Earl. She is also survived by the family rescue dog Sadie Grace, who was adopted last year and whom Stella shared a special bond with. Stella is predeceased by her father, Charles Turner and her mother, Bertha Chandler.

Stella was an exceptionally loving and extraordinarily dedicated mom and grandma. She was a member of The Bedford Pastoral United Church and The Women’s Fellowship Group. She was a trusted neighbour and a beloved friend to many. A former preschool teacher, she touched the lives of many children and their parents over the span of several decades. She was known and appreciated for her empathy, compassion and consideration of everyone who was fortunate enough to be in her orbit. An avid bird lover, she knew the names of every bird that ever came to her feeders.

Stella had a smile that was contagious, a laugh that was boisterous, a heart that was kind and a mind that was curious. She was a lover of literature, with a particular fondness for the writings of James Herriot and Catherine Cookson. She had a green thumb resulting in gardens that were lush in colour, vast in variety, and immaculately kept. She loved people, animals, birds and everything that existed in nature. Stella used to say that if you want to see God, just look outside. She often prayed on her daily walks. She felt most connected to the divine when she was outside breathing in fresh air, walking for miles under the blue sky above her, feeling God’s whispers as the wind brushed against her face.

Stella was known as the heart, soul and rock of the family. Her daughter affectionately nicknamed her “The Martha Stewart of Mystic” because she more than earned the title. She prided herself in keeping her home as neat, clean, and organized as possible. She made the most delicious donuts, baked the best lemon bread, and presented the prettiest and tastiest cranberry muffins to anyone interested in sharing a cup of tea with her. Known for her love of decorating, her Christmas trees were works of art every December. She loved to laugh, she loved to talk and she loved to dance. She took up painting in her late 50's and leaves behind many treasured items demonstrating her rosemaling talents.

Stella appreciated living in an area where she could experience the changing of the seasons. Spring was her favourite time of year. She was inspired and uplifted by the rebirth and renewal that took place after every winter’s thaw. She loved watching the budding of the trees, the blooming of the flowers and the return of the migratory birds after a long, cold winter.

Stella’s life will forever be remembered by those who knew her and loved her. She was a rare gem, a special soul, a kindred spirit, and an authentic human being who lived an honest, humble life with a heart that loved deeply, truly, and profoundly. She will be missed beyond words and forever loved beyond measure.

The family wishes to express their gratitude for the compassionate care Stella was shown in the last 6 weeks of her life by the exceptional staff at Forest Hill in Kanata.

In keeping with Stella’s wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial service. Instead, a private burial will take place in the springtime for immediate family members at Mystic United Church in Mystic, Quebec. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Montreal SPCA or The Ottawa Humane Society. 

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