Stephanie Garstka

Gilbertville---Stephanie  (Koziol)  Garstka, 87, of Gilbertville, passed away peacefully on Sunday surrounded by her loving family. Her husband Joseph, passed away in 2010. Stephanie is survived by her family; two sons Joseph of Gilbertville, and Richard and his wife Lisa of Rutland, a daughter Ann of Gilbertville and her partner Paul McHugh, two grandsons Matthew and Benjamin. She is also survived by her siblings; a twin sister Amelia "Mimi" Kowalski and her husband Ronald of Ware, Phyllis Sorel and her husband Edward of Gilbertville, and a brother Stanley Bomba and his wife Marie of Barre. Her sister Mary Masiello predeceased her a week and a half earlier. She was born in Gilbertville daughter of Anthony and Florentina (Pirog) Bomba-Koziol. Stephanie worked briefly in "the mills" in Gilbertville then devoted her life to caring for her family. She was committed to making sure that all her children received a good education and supported them in every way to make sure it happened. She was a communicant of All Saints Church. Stephanie loved to knit and crochet and was an absolute perfectionist. Her intricate afghans and sweaters have warmed generations. She loved her crossword puzzles and insisted on three Sunday Papers because those puzzles were the most challenging. Her ability to pick fresh blueberries was legendary-nobody came close to filling their buckets half full as hers. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, January 22nd from the Charbonneau Funeral Home, 30 Pleasant St in Ware with a Mass at 11am in All Saints Church, North St. in Ware. Burial will be held in St. Thomas Cemetery in the spring. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday from  5 to  7 pm. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in  her name to Elder Services of Worcester Area, 66 Millbrook St., #100, Worcester MA 01606.