Stella Cecilia Artunian

Stella Artunian (nee Darrow), 96, passed away peacefully on February 20, 2026. She is survived by her children Robert, Donald, and Barbara, 5 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren, and numerous nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her husband Sam, parents Bruno and Mariane Darrow, and her sister, Sophie Schuster, and her brother, Bruno Darrow Jr.

Stella was born in Ontonagon, Michigan, a snowbelt region near Lake Superior, on Dec 29, 1929.
There, she learned the value of hard work on the family's dairy farm. She was brought up in the Catholic faith and enjoyed church activities like singing in the choir. She was a friendly, outgoing person, acting in school plays and dating often. Upon graduation from Ontonagon High School, she hopped a bus to East Chicago, Indiana, and immediately began working in one of Youngstown Steel's cafeterias. A year later she met her future husband Sam, the date who stuck with her, the date who would pick her up after her work shift so she didn't have to walk home or take a bus. They married 6 months later, in October, 1949. After 6 years, their first child was born, and in quick succession, 2 siblings completed the family, settled into the Hessville section of Hammond. St. Catherine of Sienna was the church of choice. Family vacations were a big highlight, annual summer trips to camp, fish and swim, and to visit relatives, in northern Wisconsin and Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Stella was a tireless worker for her family. If you needed help, she was there, right away. After her children were well into grade school, she took a job at the Sears catalog store. She stayed with Sears, for nearly 20 years, and retired when her husband Sam was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. She became his nurse for several years until his passing in 1995.

After that, she traveled extensively for a decade with tour groups to all four corners of the country, places in-between, and Alaska. She enjoyed all these trips, and usually went with one of several female friends. In her 80's, she surprised us by taking a boyfriend, John Plaskota. They were companions for several years before his passing.

At the age of 91, Stella fell and broke her hip. For the next 4 years, her son Robert took care of her at home. These were important, eventful years, with Stella seeing the love and care she put into living respectfully returned to her.

A small, private graveside service will be held at St. John/St. Joseph Cemetery in Hammond.
Mama we miss you, you are Love.

For additional information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center Konnie Kuiper - Michael Kuiper-Vass by calling us at 219-838-0800 or visiting us at www.hillsidefhcares.com

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