Oldfield, Stella Guagnano, 96, of Needham, MA died peacefully on March 13th at the Armenian Home in Jamaica Plain MA. Stella lived in Massachusetts for the last 34 years and was born and spent the first 60 years of her life in Leechburg PA., a small town in western PA, .where doors were not locked and all your relatives lived within walking distance.
Stella had a wide circle of friends both in Leechburg and Needham; she lit up the room with her laughter. If you needed help, Stella was there. She was an avid volunteer in nursing homes, hospitals, the VFW auxiliary, and taught religious education classes. When not volunteering, the bridge table was her domain. Stella was an extraordinary contract bridge player who taught hundreds of people to play.
After her beloved husband Sidney Oldfield died, Stella became a sorority house mother at Tri-Delt at West Virginia University , in Morgantown. Stella took classes at the university when not running the sorority. From Morgantown she moved to Needham to be near her children and their families.
She was the loving mother of Joseph R. Oldfield of Greenland NH and Mary Anne Oldfield of Needham MA, proud grandmother of Jane Oldfield Spearman, Eric Oldfield, David Oldfield, Annie Minard Eagle, and Jonathan Minard. She is also survived by 6 great- grandchildren in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and many beloved nieces and nephews in Pennsylvania, Florida and Virginia.
Her family and her faith were what sustained her. She adored her grandchildren, played with them, valued each one and was always there to listen or advise. She enjoyed the great grandchildren as well.
Her faith was her center. She was a devout Catholic who prayed for everyone and everything. Her visit to Israel – and to Bethlehem on the West Bank - was the most memorable and important trip of her life.
Visiting hours will be held at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 1305 Highland Ave. Needham on Sunday, March 23rd from 4-6 PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, March 24th at 10AM, St. Joseph’s Parish, Highland Ave. Needham. Interment is private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Armenian Home www.armenianhome.org