STELLA PISIO

May 3rd, 1934 – May 27th, 2024

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Stella Pisio (née: Roll) at the age of 90 years, of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, at her home on the morning of Monday, May 27th, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer.  She was surrounded by her loving children Barry and Barb.

Stella was born in Kelvington, SK on May 3rd, 1934, to John and Anna Roll.  The family moved in 1938 and grew up on a farm near Rose Valley, SK.  In 1954, Stella moved to Wadena, SK and worked at the Wadena Creamery where she met the love of her life, Peter Pisio.  They were married in Wadena, SK in 1956 and then moved to Moose Jaw where they began their life of 67 years together.  Stella worked in Moose Jaw at Canada Packers until her retirement in 1960 and together she and Peter had 2 children, Barry born in 1960 and Barb born in 1963.  There was never a day in our memory where our parents weren’t holding hands all the way up to their death.  Peter very seldom went anywhere without Stella – they were inseparable.

Stella loved to cook and entertain family and friends with her delicious meals.  She loved gardening, camping, and later travelling to numerous places in Canada and the U.S.  She was a loving caregiver to her three sisters, who all had a place to stay while attending further education or employment, and to her parents who came to live with her for six years.  Stella was an inspiration for all who knew her, and she will be dearly missed, more than words can express.  She had an enormous, compassionate heart and loved her family dearly, and placed other people, family, and friends ahead of herself.  The word “no” was not in her vocabulary, it was always a “yes.”  Stella was selfless and when she loved you … you felt it.  She might have been small in stature, but her heart was enormous.  She was a fighter and always told us that her “mamma never raised a quitter and that she’s too old of a bird to quit now”.  She said she would fight until the end and that she did.

Stella loved to watch curling; her favorite team was Team Gushue and she called Brad Gushue “My Gushie”.  She enjoyed watching CFL Football (Saskatchewan Roughriders) and hockey (Moose Jaw Warriors).

She was predeceased by her husband, Peter Pisio on December 10th, 2023; parents, John and Anna Roll; infant brother, Peter Roll; and in-laws, Michael and Mary Pisio.  Stella is survived by her son, Barry Pisio; daughter, Barb (Richard) Kuntz; grandchildren: Ryan (Kelli née: Hagman) Ripley, Devin (Sarah née: Brabant) Ripley, Jinelle (Jesse) Chesney, Dylan Pisio (Samantha), Tyson Pisio, and Kylin Pisio; great-grandchildren: Peyton and Brady Ripley, Greyson and Ryleigh Ripley, and Jaydon Chesney; sisters: Mary (Terry) McDonnell, Vicki (Garnet) Linton, and Liz Seeling; numerous nieces and nephews; as well as her fur grand-puppies, Koko and Bella.

Special message of condolence from Mary McDonnell (Stella’s sister)

“Distance never separated us all these years, my love and respect grew even stronger for my special sister and best friend.  I will miss you forever”.

The family would like to thank Dr. Shaina Lee of the Allan Blair Cancer Clinic, and the nurses for their excellent care and compassion.  Mom adored Dr. Lee and called her “my Angel”, the Palliative Community Care Team in Moose Jaw for their excellent care and compassion, as well as many thanks to family and friends for all their continued support during this difficult time.

A Celebration of both Stella’s and Pete’s Lives will be held on Sunday, July 28th, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Moose Jaw Funeral Home.  Interment will take place at Rosedale Cemetery, 1804 Caribou St West, Moose Jaw, SK. Those not able to attend may view the service by going to www.moosejawfuneralhome.com/webcast/. In lieu of flowers donations in Stella’s name may be made to Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan, 200-4545 Parliament Ave, Regina, SK S4W 0G3.  Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  Andrew Pratt, Funeral Director 306-693-4550