Stella Utarid

Madison - Stella Marie Utarid, 94 passed away on June 3, 2012 in Fitchburg, Wisconsin. She was the smallest of three siblings, yet strong, independent and intelligent. She was born on April 7, 1918 in Calcutta, India, to Joseph and Lucy (Tramble) Lucas. She was educated at The Convent of Jesus and Mary and LaMartinere for Girls. She worked briefly as a nurse during WWII -- she loved to nurture and put others first.

While living in India, she used her gifts and skills to assist many charities and regularly distributed food and blankets to the poor. A good friend of Mother Theresa and her Sisters, Stella helped in caring for many in great need. She was very involved with missions - taught Sunday School for many years and lived a life of service to God, family, and friends. She enjoyed helping people and towards the end of her life had given away her entire wealth to Christian missions.

She was the genuine article, a kind hearted lady, and remained one until the end. In 1936, she married Leo George; they had one son - Valentino Joseph. Her husband's death in 1941 led her through years of sadness. Although widowed at a young age, her deep faith, her strength, her determination never to complain, enabled her to care for her young boy with much support from her mother and brothers. She remarried Francis Benedict Utarid in 1946 and was a great asset to his career with the Calcutta Police Department. They had one daughter, Jennifer.

A gracious homemaker, wife and mother, she instilled in her children a love for God, an honest work ethic, and a love for music and literature. She was an affectionate mother and grandmother whose collection of antique clocks, locks and wristwatches amused and delighted everyone.

She is survived by her daughter Jennifer (Leo) Braun of Fitchburg, Wisconsin whose home she shared for twenty years; grandchildren Andr� and Elizabeth (Braun), Parris (Cathy) and Robert (Carmen) George, and beloved great-grandchildren, Eric, Alexis and Reno.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, George and Gabriel Lucas; her husband; her son, and a granddaughter Julie Marie Braun. Face to face at last with Jesus Whom she loved and Who traveled alongside on her amazing journey.

A Memorial service will be held at a later date.