Submitted by: Dan Rich

Maria E. Stante

Jan. 3, 1918 - Sept. 15, 2005

South Bend Tribune 9/19/2005

Maria Elena Stante, 87, known to some as Edna or Mary Ellen, died peacefully Thursday, September 15, 2005 in Greenway Manor Nursing Home in Spring Green, Wisconsin, with her two daughters and a son-in-law at her bedside.

Mary was born on January 3, 1918 in Salzburg, Pennsylvania, to Gesido and Donata (Sisti) Merlo. Sadly, Donata died in the influenza epidemic of 1918.

Mary grew up in South Bend, Indiana, with her father, stepmother Philomena Merlo, and three sisters, who survive; Lillian Muia of South Bend, Matilda Fershin of Mishawaka, Indiana, and Mary Bonnell also of Mishawaka.

Mary graduated from Riley High School in South Bend, and married Dominick Stante in 1937. Dominick preceded her in death in December 1986, after a nearly 50 year marriage. Mary worked as a sales clerk in a pharmacy, and in two department stores, a position she enjoyed because it gave her contact with other people and allowed her to be helpful to them. During summers, she loved being outdoors tending her garden. As she grew up, she spent time with her father working on cars, an uncommon past-time for a young girl in that era. While firm in her beliefs and opinions, she was also a very kind person. She had a deep and abiding faith, which was devoted primarily to the Blessed Mother. She found in this a source of comfort and strength. She once said that of all the happenings in her life, the one which made her the most proud as having raised her children.

In addition to her sisters, Mary is survived by her two daughters, Loretta (Lawrence) Westbrook of Richland Center, Wisconsin, Carol Ann Stante of San Francisco, California, daughter-in-Iaw, Carol Stante of South Bend, seven grandchildren, three great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.

Mary was further preceded in death by her parents, and her son Joseph in April 1998.

A funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, September 20, 2005 in St. Matthew's Cathedral in South Bend. The family will greet guests from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass. Mary will be interred beside her husband in Sacred Heart Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 322 North Lauderdale, Memphis, TN 38105, toll free 800-822-6344.

The Pratt Funeral Service of Richland Center, Wisconsin assisted with the preliminary arrangements. The McGann Funeral Home of South Bend, Indiana is assisting the family with their service arrangements.