Stella Kayson

Passed away peacefully on December 28, 2017 after a remarkable 103 years of life. Whether cooking for the annual Ukrainian Festival, defeating men half her age on the bocce court, or engaging in active play with great-grandchildren, Stella made the most of every minute. With a love for life that was contagious, everyone fortunate enough to have crossed paths with Stella was better for her acquaintance. The oldest of four daughters, Stella was born to Barbara and Michael Horylew on August 25, 1914. Stella spent her youth in Rochester and in 1941 she married her best friend's brother, John Kayson. The couple resided in their beloved Gates home while raising their daughters Kathleen and Patricia. During this period, Stella was a fixture at Neisner's Department Store where she was fondly remembered for her service to patrons from behind the lunch counter. The unquestioned matriarch of her family, Stella presided over countless parties, weddings, christenings and less official moments that shaped memories for generations of family. Always dependable and generous of time, energy and spirit, many local organizations and social circles relied on Stella. Her formal affiliations included the Ukrainian American Club, St. Josaphat's Ukrainian Catholic Church, and the Gates Senior Club, where she served as an enduring reminder to new members that age is just a number. Whether riding a camel in Egypt, taking a trip to a casino with friends, or simply enjoying the beauty of her well-tended garden, Stella appreciated every moment that was presented to her. Her optimism and passion for life knew no limits. While she found a happy home in the kitchen and garden, she was not one to be limited to traditional domestic roles and was both an avid sports fan and formidable competitor. Stella Kayson was preceded in death by her parents; her husband John; sisters and brothers-in-law Ann (Ed) Davis, Katherine/Tootie (Bob) Groh, Carl Clohessy; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Sophie (Michael) Alekson, Walter (Estelle) Kayson; and nephew Bob Groh. Survivors include her sister, Eleanore Clohessy, daughters: Kathleen Bromley (Greg Talomie) and Patricia Kurtz (Bill Kurtz grandchildren: Mark Bromley (David Salie), Nicole Bromley (Shelby LaMar), Colleen Kurtz, and Nicholas Kurtz; and four great-grandchildren: namesake Stella LaMar, Tallulah Bromley-Salie, Justice Bromley-Salie, and Lucy LaMar; beloved nieces and nephews Michael Alekson, Carol Ratigan, Danette Weingarten, Michael Davis, Elise Kayson, and John Clohessy. Stella had a unique and precious relationship with her children, grandchildren and family and also her great-grandchildren who knew her as "Baba." Friends may call Sunday, January 7, 2018 from 1-4pm (Panakhyda Service at 3:30pm) at the Leo M. Bean and Sons Funeral Home. Funeral Divine Liturgy will be Monday, January 8, 2018 10:00am at St. Josaphat's Ukrainian Catholic Church, 940 East Ridge Road. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Stella with a contribution to the Ronald McDonald House, St. Josaphat's Church or a charity of your choice. The family also wishes to express gratitude to the staff and community of Clark Meadows Retirement Home in Canandaigua who saw to it that her final three years of life were as joy-filled and meaningful as the first hundred.

Stella Kayson

December 29, 2017