Deferiet - Stella E. Rigabar, 89, of 59 Anderson Ave., died Monday, May 7, 2012, in the University Hospital, Syracuse.

Stella was born in Deferiet on September 12, 1922, the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Tymoczko Woycik. She attended school in Deferiet and was a 1940 graduate of Carthage High School. She married Donald F. Rigabar on January 4, 1941 at St. Rita's Church with the Rev. James A. Fix officiating. Mr. Rigabar died on September 4, 1976. Stella worked as a key punch operator for the St. Regis Paper Company in Deferiet for 20 years retiring in 1986.

She was an accomplished seamstress and loved to read, travel, cross country ski and was an avid golfer. She knitted numerous items for the American Legion and North County Children's Clinic.

Stella will be remembered for the love of her family and friends. She was a wonderful lady who put everyone else before herself.

She was a member of St. Rita's Church, Deferiet Senior Citizens and a former member of Carlowden Country Club.


She is survived by her son and his wife: Donald J. and Linda Rigabar of Oneida, two grandchildren, Kelli Hudson and Joseph Rigabar and his wife Jessica, all of Saratoga Springs, 4 great grandchildren, Madison Hudson, Sean Hudson, Jack Rigabar and Brady Rigabar; a special friend, Janet Zando of Deferiet and several nieces and nephews. Two sisters, Anna Yuhas and Leona Miterko and a brother, Bernard Woycik died previous.


Funeral services will be held on Friday at 11:00 AM at St. Rita's of Cascia Church, Deferiet with Rev. Garvin J. Demarias officiating. Burial will be in Old St James Cemetery, Carthage. Calling hours at the Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home, Carthage will be on Thursday from 5-7pm.

Contributions in her memory may be made to the Deferiet Vol. Fire Dept.


To leave a condolence, go to www.bezanillafh.com.