Obituary of Margaret Estella Chmielewski

Margaret Estella “Stella” Chmielewski

December 29, 1932 – February 18, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Margaret Estella “Stella” Chmielewski, who left this world after a life well-lived, filled with love, hard work, and a deep devotion to family and friends. She passed away peacefully at Rome Hospital with her family by her side.

Stella was born on December 29, 1932, in Westernville, NY, to Perry and Margaret (Pillmore) Turke. She grew up in a home where hard work and kindness were valued, lessons she carried throughout her life. She attended Holland Patent Schools and at just eight years old, she joined 4H, a time she would always remember as one of the happiest in her life. Through 4H, she learned to cook, garden, can, and sew—skills that would become lifelong passions. She was crowned 4H Queen, a title that spoke to her dedication and spirit.

On October 24, 1953, she married Edmund J. Chmielewski Sr. at Transfiguration Church. The two first met at a square dance at Rickard’s Ranch, and from that moment on, they built a life together. Edmund passed away on May 27, 1984, but their love and the family they built together remained at the center of Stella’s life.

Stella wore many hats throughout her years, working at various grocery stores, Rome Cable, and as a cook at Denti School. But her favorite job of all was wrapping presents at Goldberg’s during the holidays—spreading joy one beautifully wrapped package at a time.

An avid and talented quilter, Stella gifted her handmade quilts and tree skirts to family members when they got married, ensuring a piece of her love was always with them. She found joy in playing bingo and cards, canning the produce from her large and beautiful garden, and sharing those canned goods with friends and her children's teachers as tokens of appreciation.

Though her given name was Margaret Estella, she was known by many names—Estelle, Stella, Stella by Starlight, Stelly—but the names she cherished most was Mom, Grandma, and Great Grandma. She passed down her knowledge, her love of storytelling, and her rich history to those lucky enough to know her. She was a keeper of family stories, a historian of places and people, and someone who made sure the past was never forgotten.

Stella’s legacy is one of love, resilience, and generosity. She touched so many lives, and though she is no longer with us, her warmth and wisdom will live on in the memories, traditions, and stories she shared. She is survived by her loving children Christine (John) Mautner, Paul (Cindy) Chmielewski, Tarry (Thomas) Marchesane, and Richard A. Chmielewski; beloved grandchildren Alexander (Allie) Chmielewski, Alyssa (Alexander) Brement, John Marchesane, Katie Chmielewski, Lilli Mautner, and Arie Mautner; cherished great grandchildren AJ Chmielewski and Kamiya Aggison; sisters Ellamae (Bill) D’Aprix, Louise (Fred) Skoog, Perry Ann Shanley; sister in laws Sonia Myers, Patricia (Don) Seelman, and Barbara Anderson; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Also Shelly, Bob, Marie, and Jay- friends and neighbors who became family and brought so much love and support into her life.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Edmund; her son, Edmund Jr; infant son Joseph; siblings Dr. George Turke, Col. Charles Turk, S. Jane Ringrose, Anita MacLachlan, Noreen Shehadi; niece Barbara J Ringrose; several close family members and in-laws; and her parents, Perry and Margaret. 

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Rome Health’s Residential Health Care Facility for their kindness and compassionate care in Stella’s final days- especially Jill, Sue, Russell, Jason, Lisa, Tonya, Stacy, Michelle R, Becki, and Dan.

Per her request, no public services will be held. A burial will take place on May 1, 2025, at 11am at Westernville Cemetery and a celebration of life to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Stella’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association-Central NY Chapter. 

www.alz.org/centralnewyork

Arrangements by Strong-Burns & Sprock Funeral Home 7751 Merrick Road, Rome N.Y.