Stella Ruth Migliore

Stella was born in Ipswich, Mass., on July 11, 1930 and grew up in nearby Essex. She was one of
six siblings who include Rosalie, May, Raymond, David, and Annie. Stella’s grandparents on her
father’s side came from Scotland. Stella’s maternal grandparents settled in the Catskills near
Kingston, NY where Stella’s mother, Maude Bell, grew up. Her father, Roy Gosbee, was a ship
builder in Essex, MA. Although she moved away from Essex after graduating from Gloucester
High School, Essex and her family there always had a special place in Stella’s heart.
After graduating high school, Stella moved to California where she soon met her future
husband, Joseph Migliore. They were married for over 65 years until his death in 2015.
In the 1950’s Stella and Joe moved to Allen Park where she soon became actively involved in
the Allen Park Presbyterian Church headed by Wanzer Hull Brunelle. Over the years Stella
served her church community in numerous roles, including: serving on the Board of Deacons
and the Session, being very active with Presbyterian Women and with Lydia Circle, and being a
small group counselor for confirmation classes at Camp Wakanda for 25 years. For her entire
life Stella’s church family had been very dear and vital for her life.
In 1970, when Stella was 40 years old, she received a BA from Eastern Michigan University.
Whereupon, she was hired at Riverview High School teaching English and Marriage and Family
classes. She loved teaching but decided to retire early to join her husband Joe in retirement
where they became avid travelers and passionate in their role as grandparents, which they both
regarded as the happiest time of their lives.
Stella was the dear mother to Rich, Tina, and Jim (Kim) and beloved Nanny to grandchildren
Jessie (Aaron), Ben (Debby), Lauren (Chris), and Lindsey (Amber) and great-grands David, Laura,
James, Charlie, and Lizzie.
Both her family and so many others in her community were so blessed by her one-of-a-kind
spirit and kindness. Stella loved playing tennis, swimming in the ocean, cooking for others
(often lentil soup or her oatmeal bars), saving every possible memento of those she loved, and
keeping in wonderful communication via letters and phone calls with friends and family.
Those that knew her most frequently described her as “the sweetest lady I’ve ever met” or “an
angel on earth.” She was always happy and focused on the positive; it was an intentional choice
and others couldn’t help but do the same when they were with her. She embodied the fruit of
the Holy Spirit and spread joy to all those she encountered. She will be greatly missed, but her
family knows her spirit will be hovering over them to continue to send her blessings.