Stella Billen, 85, of Verbank passed away peacefully Saturday, September 3, 2016 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center with her family by her side. Born June 15, 1931 in Scranton, PA, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Josephine (Yeachschein) Kuzma.While growing up in Scranton, she was a member of the St. Michael’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church and sang in the Choir.
On May 28, 1955, she married Michael Billen Jr. and they ultimately settled in Verbank to raise their family. The Union Vale Fire Company was the center of Stella and her husband’s social life and many of her closest friends were members as well. Stella was a member of the Union Vale Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary and also participated in Home Bureau. Most recently she enjoyed the company of her friends in her Scrabble group.
She raised her children in the Catholic faith and as an adult converted, enjoying the full blessings of the church. She was a faithful parishioner of St. Joseph – Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Millbrook, NY. She rejoined the work force and was employed by the Wassaic Developmental Center. After her retirement, she maintained friendships with several of her co-workers. Stella enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, and especially enjoyed baking brownies. The annual Kuzma family reunion and visiting with extended family was a great source of joy for her.
She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend who will be remembered by all for her kindness and concern for others. She is survived by her devoted children, daughters Katherine McMillan (Warren) of Millbrook, NY and Patricia Billen (Ron Marzitelli) of Niskayuna, NY and one son John Billen (Cynthia) of Hinesburg, VT. She leaves behind two loving sisters Marge Evanick and Nancy Haines, eight loving grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews. Stella was preceded in death by her husband Michael Billen Jr., two sons Michael and Joseph, two sisters Mary and infant Frances, and seven brothers John, Andy, Nick, Paul, Steve, Joe and Mike.
Visiting hours will be on Wednesday from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at 3270 Franklin Avenue, Millbrook. A Mass of Christian burial will be offered Thursday at 11:00 am at St. Joseph’s Church, 15 North Ave, Millbrook. Burial next to her husband will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery
