Stephanie Centofante 1926-2025

Stephanie was born Oct. 19, 1926, in Carbon, Pa. She was the fifth child and first daughter born to John and Mary Dunchak. At about the age of 10, Stephanie moved with her family to a farm in Poland. She loved to talk about the “old times” and fond memories she had growing up there with her brothers and sisters.

She attended Poland Seminary High School and graduated in 1944.

Stephanie worked hard all of her life. One of her first jobs was at Isaly’s Dairy in Lowellville and then eventually at Lowellville Savings Bank. She would walk to work every day from the farm on Center Road, down Quarry Road and back up again when her shift ended, a feat she attributed to keeping her healthy for all of her years.

During a visit with friends, Stephanie met the love of her life, Paul Centofante, who was recently discharged from the Navy after World War II. The rest, you might say, is history. Stephanie and Paul married in July 1946 and went on to have seven children, 15 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren.

Even while keeping a home and raising her family, Stephanie continued to work outside the home, spending several years in retail and bridal sales at Livingston’s, JCPenney, and Edie’s Bridal.

Stephanie was a faithful member of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church in Lowellville, where she participated for many years in the Ladies Guild. She was also an American Legion Auxiliary member and enjoyed playing bocce at the Mount Carmel Club.

While she made many friends through her outside interests, Stephanie’s true passion and greatest accomplishments were in the home. She loved to bake and cook for her family, and being proud of her Eastern European heritage, she took pride in making pierogis, stuffed cabbage and haluski that with which no one could compete. However, if you were lucky enough to taste her spaghetti sauce, lasagna or wedding soup, you would never believe she wasn’t Italian. There were not many conversations you would have with her where she didn’t ask, “Did you eat? I can make you something.”

Her talents did not end in the kitchen. She loved to decorate her home and painted and wallpapered each room beautifully. She also spent many hours at her sewing machine handmaking clothes for her children, including beautiful satin flower girl dresses for her granddaughter and great-granddaughter.

The way Stephanie touched the lives of those who knew her are too numerous to count. Spending time with her family is what made her happy and she cherished every moment they were together, whether it was vacations on the Outer Banks, holidays or backyard picnics, she was always happy to be surrounded by her family. The void she leaves in the lives of those she loved most will never be filled.

Missing her most will be her children, Cynthia (Jeff) White of New Bern, North Carolina, Paula (Jim) Kane of Poland, Mary (Bob) Ramsbottom of Poland, Carla (Michael) Davanzo of Lowellville; her sister and best friend, Irene Finamore of Fayetteville, Pa.; and brother-in-law, Edward Centofante of Rockport, Texas.; along with all of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Stephanie will also be greatly missed by special family friends, Bob Speakman and Hector Garcia.

Besides her parents and in-laws, Stephanie was preceded in death by her husband, Paul; sons, Mark and Stephan; daughter, Erica; great-grandson, Travis; brothers, John, Andy and Joe Dunchak; sisters, Olga Miletta and Eleanor Dunchak; and her faithful dog, Harry.

Friends may pay their respects 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish in Lowellville, followed by Mass at 11 a.m., with Fr. Zachary Coulter presiding.

Arrangements are by the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, Poland. Visit www.beckerobits.com to share memories or send condolences with Stephanie’s family.

(special notice)