Jean J. Stelma, 98, of Avoca, passed away Monday evening March 18th, 2024 at the home of her daughter in Old Forge surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Pittston, she was a daughter of the late Louis and Mary Hornick Ostrowski.  She was a graduate of Avoca High School and a member of Nativity of Our Lord Parish, Duryea.

She was a seamstress in the Ann Lee Frock dress factory for many years.    

Jean was dedicated to her community.   She served 16 years on the Avoca Borough Council and there she started a food distribution that served Avoca and Old Forge helping people in need.   Jean was also the treasurer for the I.L.G.W. for many years and also donated to every catholic organization in the area.   

She was devoted to her faith and prayed the Rosary every day, praying for her family and friends.  Jean every year would attend the Novena at St Ann’s Basilica, Scranton.

Jean loved trips to the Casino, playing her favorite game Cash Man.  She loved the Polkas with her husband William.  Jean loved her family and adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her husband William J. Stelma, 2009, son, Paul, 1976, granddaughter, Melissa Ann DiAndriola, 1984, brothers, Frank, Joseph, Norman, Chester, Louis, Edward, Raymond, Theodore Ostrowski, sisters, Shirley Cjaza, Theresa Tripus and daughter in law, Helen Stelma, 2018

Jean is survived by her children, son, William “Butch” Stelma, Avoca, daughter Elaine DiAndriola and husband Thomas, Old Forge, grandchildren, William Stelma and wife Valerie, Paul DiAndriola and fiancé Jen, Melanie DiAndriola, Michael Stelma, 11 great-grandchildren, brother Gino Ostrowski and wife Cathy, Duryea, sister, Dolores Policare, Avoca, and several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited for a visitation for Jean on Friday March 22nd, 2024 from 9:30am. until 10:30am. in Nativity of Our Lord Parish at 127 Stephenson Street, Duryea.  Mass will be celebrated at 10:30am. Father Michael Bryant, celebrant.   Interment will be in St. John the Baptist Cemetery, Exeter.

The family would like to thank Hospice of the Sacred Heart and Dr. Kenneth Sebastianelli for their wonderful and compassionate care for Jean. 

Arrangements are by the Howell-Lussi Funeral Home Inc., 509 Wyoming Avenue, West Pittston.

In Lieu of flowers or memorial donations may be made in Jean's name to Hospice of the Sacred Heart at 53 Glenmaura National Blvd. Suite 120 Moosic Pa 18507.

Online condolences can be left at our website at Howelllussi.com.