Virginia V. Destefano

Virginia Valentine Stull De Stefano February 14, 1920-March 17, 2012 Virginia De Stefano died March 17, 2012 after a wonderful lifetime of supporting and loving her family and friends. She was born Virginia Valentine Stull on February 14, 1920, the very special valentine of Irwin Elmore Stull and Melva Kimball (Alcorn) Stull in Stockton, California. During the war, she set Oakland Army Air Force base on its ear by driving their heavy equipment as good or better than anyone before her""and loving every minute! After the war she married Charles J. (Bud) De Stefano and moved across the country with him to Massachusetts, joining his great big, happy Italian family! She was a woman who loved fiercely and with pride and determination, standing behind Bud with support and caring for fifty seven years. The couple built a home in Winchester, Massachusetts, where they lived until Bud died in 2001. In 2008 Virginia moved to Lakeland, Florida to live with her daughter, Donna, embracing this transition with the same enthusiasm and grace as she met the rest of her life. Virginia""s family was her life, and she cared for whomever needed her, and in a multitude of ways. Her children remember learning to cherish life and appreciate the little things, from sunsets to friendship, chipmunks and fresh grown produce; her friends remember the ease of her smile and the courage of her convictions. She saw beauty everywhere, from the rocks she collected to the birds and flowers she enjoyed so much; it fed her own artistic ability. Virginia De Stefano""s kindness and generosity touched everyone who knew her, whether in the form of a much-enjoyed meal, a hand-crocheted afghan or an afternoon of chat and tea (and an occasional beer!). Momma D, Mrs. D, Mom or Virginia was a woman who just fit in, wherever she was. She made the world a kinder place. Virginia pitched in wherever she was needed. She was our greatest generation. Virginia Valentine De Stefano grew up with the deprivation of the Great Depression, worked tirelessly for the war effort and then for her family, neighbors and friends; she helped rebuild America. She figured out how to parent and grandparent and friend in such a way that she created a standard for those who came after her, whatever their age. Virginia is beloved by many. She will be remembered forever. She is pre-deceased by her husband, Charles J. (Bud) De Stefano and brother, Irwin Stull, Jr. of California, and survived by three sons; Earl R. Strange (Claire) Everett, MA; Charles I. (Butch) De Stefano, (Barbara) Wilmington, MA; Wayne E. De Stefano (Kathryn Poliseno), Pepperell, MA; one daughter, Donna V. De Stefano and treasured Dachshund, Sofie, Lakeland, FL; goddaughter, Carole T. De Stefano, Eastham, MA,; sister, Patricia Howard (Donald) Fernley, NV; and nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to either VISTE or Good Shepherd Hospice.