Stella M (Ciszczon) Chamberlin

Family and friends are invited to the Celebration of Life for Stella Chamberlin (née Ciszczon) who passed away on March 14, 2022, at Castle Manor in Merrifield Park, Mishawaka on Saturday, May 28 from 3:00-6:00pm. 

Stella M. Chamberlin, 86, of Mishawaka passed away peacefully in Granger on March 14, 2022. Stella was born on May 25, 1935, to Joseph and Anna Ciszczon and was a lifelong resident of Mishawaka. Stella was preceded in death by her husband Ray V. Chamberlin and is survived by her three children, Deni (Joan) Chamberlin of Ames, Iowa, Daniel Chamberlin of Doylestown, PA, Carla Chamberlin (David Barnes) of Doylestown, PA, and her four grandchildren, Nick, Ania, Martin, and Ellie. Stella is also survived by her siblings Julia, Emily, Joseph, her twin Edward, and Michael. She was preceded in death by siblings Walter, Stan, Julius, Theodore, Henry, Joan, Steve, and son-in-law, Patrick Quinlisk.

Stella attended Kennedy primary school and graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1953. She worked as a medical stenographer for Children’s Hospital in South Bend before getting her license to be a beautician. While raising a family, Stella set up a shop in her basement and had a steady parade of clients coming to get their hair cut and styled, from early morning into the evening. As many of her clients aged, she would gladly pack up her tools of the trade and go to them.

Stella was married to Ray Chamberlin of Mishawaka in 1959, and they enjoyed their life together for 57 years before he passed away in 2016. As a couple they dedicated much time to their large families and community organizations, such as the Mishawaka Historical Society, Lion’s Club, Mishawaka-Penn Libraries, and St. Monica’s Parish. Stella enjoyed her husband’s radio persona as the “Postal Poet” and inspired his rhyming observations of everyday life in Mishawaka. She loved creating things, especially wreaths, for arts and crafts shows and charitable organizations. She was an avid runner, beginning with sprinting for the track team at Kennedy and later participating in local running events well into her 50’s. Stella liked traveling, walking along the River Walk near her home, attending summer concerts in the parks, and spending time with her grandchildren.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, please visit www.hahnfuneralhomes.com.

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