Stella Y. Walker, formerly of Hampton Bays and, before that, Bridgehampton, died on October 8 at Sylvia’s House Hospice of Marion County in Ocala, Florida. She was 86.
Born in Newark, New Jersey, on January 5, 1922, to Viola and Walter Tomasheski, she was a resident of Bridgehampton for most of her life, before moving to Hampton Bays for approximately 12 years, and then to Ocala, Florida, in February 2006 to live with her daughter, Patti Halloran.
She was president for many years of the Hampton Bays and Bridgehampton senior centers, where she also volunteered her services. In addition, she was a charter member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary in Bridgehampton.
An avid crocheter, she made an afghan for each of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. A nephew, Paul McErlean, said that of all his possessions, “the afghan from ny Aunt Stella is the most important.” In addition to her afghans, she also made dolls, sometimes to be raffled off in benefits for the senior center. She also loved bingo and was playing the game even days before death.
In addition to Ms. Halloran, she is survived another daughter, Marian Robinson of Virginia; two sons, Jimmy Walker of Bridgehampton, and Billy Walker of Florida; a sister, Viola McErlean of Sag Harbor; nine grandchildren, Debra, Trevor, Linda, Billy, Bill, Jamie, Beth Ann, Phillip and Shannon; 21 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a granddaughter, Tiffane.
A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, October 25, at 11 a.m. at the Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Church in Bridgehampton. Interment will follow at Sacred Hearts Cemetery in Southampton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Hospice of Marion County, Sylvia’s House, PO Box 4860, Ocala, FL 34478-4860 would be appreciated by the family.
on Oct 21, 2008