Stella Theresa DeSantis
Stella Theresa DeSantis (Musser), 96 years old formerly of Bensalem, Pa passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on March 30, 2024. She was born in Philadelphia, Pa. to the late John Musser and Stella Mondschein Musser. She graduated eighth grade from Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic School in 1941 and The Little Flower all girls High School in 1945. She is predeceased by both of her husbands, Ezio J. DeSantis who passed in 1967 and Edmund DeSantis in 2016.
After high school Stella worked at Newton and Elkton shoe factory in Philadelphia where she met her first husband Ezio. They married in 1948 and eventually lived in the Port Richmond section of Philadelphia where they raised 12 children: Mary DeSantis, Nina Rossi (George), John DeSantis (Rosemary), Anthony DeSantis (Francine), Paul DeSantis (Dawn), Joseph DeSantis (Peggy), Stella DeSantis (Robert Siliani), Vincent DeSantis (Shannon), Lisa Viellieu (Dennis), Regina Smith (late husband Dave), Christina Perrotta (John) and Margaret Scalamadre (Franco). She is also survived by her sisters, Anna Hladchuk, Mary DeSantis, Theresa Banson and Irene Quirus and 30 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren. Brother John is deceased. In 1969 she married Edmond and in 1986 they moved to Bensalem, Pa. Stella worked as a purchasing agent for Strawbridge and Clothier in downtown Philadelphia from 1974 to 1991.
Stella was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was a woman of deep faith, finding solace and community in her church Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church where she was a member for 69 years. She thrived on providing childcare and cooking her famous flapjacks and an incredibly nutritious food called honiger sterz (Hungarian crepes) for her children and grandchildren.
Though she may be gone from our sight, Stella will forever remain in our hearts, her spirit shining brightly through the lives she touched.
Stella will be remembered for her kindness, resilience, and unwavering love for her family. Her legacy of compassion and strength will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Family and friends are invited to gather on Thursday, April 4th from 6pm-8pm at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro, Richboro, PA and again on Friday, April 5th from 9am-10am at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 654 Hatboro Road, Richboro, PA. A funeral mass will follow.
In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made in Stella’s name to The Little Flower High School at https://www.littleflowerhighschool.org/ways-to-give.
Evening Visitation
Thursday, April 4th, 2024
6:00 PM - 8:00 PMJoseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, Richboro
800 Newtown-Richboro Road
Richboro, PA 18954Morning Visitation
Friday, April 5th, 2024
9:00 AM - 10:00 AMSt. Vincent de Paul Church
654 Hatboro Road
Richboro, PA 18954Funeral Mass
Friday, April 5th, 2024
10:00 AMSt. Vincent de Paul Church
654 Hatboro Road
Richboro, PA 18954Interment
Washington Crossing National Cemetery
830 Highland Road
Newtown, PA 18940