Pre-deceased by her husband, Gerald W Davis, she is deeply mourned and survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Steven and Justine Davis, Daughter and Son-in-law, Kim and Brian Vanyo and furry grandson, Remii Vanyo, Brother Ted Stanek, Sister-in-law and Brother-in-law, Jim, and MaryJane Ransegnola, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Born in Newark, New Jersey, on January 21st, 1939, to Thaddeus and Cecelia Stanek, she grew up in Irvington, New Jersey, as the middle child to her older sister Cecelia (Chickie) and younger brother, Thaddeus (Teddy). Her childhood memories include hanging out on Bamford place, washing her ’57 Chevy for drives to pick up her favorite cousin, Joanie. She was a member of the Wild One’s with her lifetime buddy, ‘Flo’ Leopaldi and enjoyed rides on the back of her husband’s Harley Davidson.
Her early adult life was spent in Irvington and East Hanover, New Jersey, as a loving wife, raising her two beloved children, Steven, and Kim. The family moved to Clearwater, Florida, in the late 70’s where she continued to raise her children, with her lifetime friends, the Leopaldis’ to include, Flo, Johnny, Donna, Daryl and Dale. Moving back to New Jersey in the mid-80’s, Della reinvented herself with a new career working for the University of Michigan collecting data for healthcare and financial studies throughout the state of New Jersey, before retiring in her early seventies.
Della was the epitome of a mother and helped to raise multiple generations of nieces, nephews, and cousins in her family and extended family both in New Jersey and Florida. She touched many lives with her kindness, generosity, motherly love, and selflessness. She was an extended mother to anyone that was fortunate enough to cross her path, always offering an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, comforting advice and a warm loving hug.
She was a dedicated New Jersey Devil’s fan, fortunate enough to watch a few games in ice level seats and enjoy their multiple Stanley Cup victories raising homemade tin foil cups in their honor. When celebrating, laughing, and enjoying life with her family and friends, her drink of choice was Bloody Marys’ (light on the vodka).
Her recent ‘likes’ include watching Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, General Hospital, reruns of The Walton’s and Little House on the Prairie, as well as the Hallmark romcoms and Christmas movies. She shared her love for reality TV with nightly texts to her niece and grand nieces, Luann, Patty and Leigh Clarkson.
Her children extend their true appreciation to the outpouring of love and condolences received during this difficult time. She will be greatly mourned by all the lives she touched throughout her full life.
Due to current conditions, there will be no services at this time. In lieu of flowers, a donation in her name to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital (www.stjude.org), would be appreciated.
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