Stella A Dalton

Stella A. Dalton, 89, of South Portland, passed away Friday, March 08, 2013 at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House where she was surrounded by her children, grandchildren and loved ones. She was born in Worcester, MA, the daughter of John and Eva (Rutkosky) Kluchnik. She was one of nine children. Her mother Eva Kluchnik came to the United States from Luthuania in her early twentyâ€™s after two attempts. Her father John Kluchnik came to the United States from Poland and passed away when Stella was very young. Stella was brought up in Westbrook, Maine and went to Westbrook High School. She spent most of her life in this area except for a short relocation to Washington , DC. Stella was a strong woman and believer in God, she would end each day on her knees in prayer. In her late 20â€™s she became a single mom, the owner of Andyâ€™s Tavern, and a finally got her driverâ€™s license. She brought up four children on her own as she learned the ins and outs of the tavern business in Westbrook, Maine. During her life time she was also a riveter during World War II in the local shipyards. She sold Andyâ€™s Tavern after 15 years and decided to become a care giver of the elderly until she retired. Mom passed on a few lessons in life to her children and grandchildren. She taught us to give because somebody always needed it more than you, she taught us to believe in God and have faith because it would get you through the tough times. She also taught us to smile, laugh, and be grateful. Stella is survived by her sons Dennis Dalton of Biddeford and John Dalton of Westbrook; daughters Katy Gilblair of Biddeford and Judy Dalton of Westbrook; her sisters Josephine Dzialga of Westbrook and Julia Barnes of Chancellor, AL; eight grandchildren; and one great grandchild. Visiting hours will be from 4 to 6 PM Sunday at Blais & Hay Funeral Home, 35 Church St., Westbrook. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 AM Monday at St. Louis Church in Portland. Interment will take place at a later date. On line condolences may be expressed at www.blaisandhayfuneralhome.com.

Stella A Dalton

June 13, 1923 - March 8, 2013

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