Maria Estela Kanuk

To Watch the Live Stream of Stella's service on Saturday October 9th at 10 AM: CLICK HERE Maria Estela Stella Kanuk, 84, formerly of Newark Valley, passed away on September 10, 2021 at Elizabeth Church Manor nursing home following a period of declining health associated with Alzheimers disease. She was preceded in death by her parents: Mario and Constance (Sousa) Magalhaes, her step-mother Maria Rosa (Avela) Magalhaes, her husband John Kanuk, her brother Mario and her beloved 4 legged companion Jesse. She is survived by her loving children: Steve G. and wife Darlene A. Kanuk and Rose M. Kanuk and husband Frederick M. Blee. She was lovingly known as Vovo by her cherished grandchildren: Brenton, Aleczander, Gavin, James, Rachel, Jeremy, Jocelyn and great grandchildren: Jaden, Kaia, Colin, Lyla and Deirdre. Stella was born on Jan. 31, 1937 in Angra do Heroismo, on the Azores island of Terceira, Portugal. She met and married her husband John, a career Air Force Sergeant while he was stationed at Lajes AFB on the Azores Islands. As a family, they were stationed at various military bases throughout the United States including Bunker Hill AFB (Indiana), Travis AFB (California) and McGuire AFB (New Jersey). After her husband retired from the Air Force the family moved to Toms River, New Jersey where Stellas love for children led her to open a licensed day care business out of her home. After her husbands retirement from the United States Postal Service she moved to Kingsley, Pennsylvania and then to Binghamton, New York where she again provided licensed daycare out of her home. She lovingly cared for countless children for over 20 years. She also became a loving foster mom to many during this time. After her husbands passing she moved to Sanitaria Springs, New York to be closer to her son. It wasnt long after her grandchildren were born that she decided to move to Newark Valley, New York to be closer to them. While living in Newark Valley, she enjoyed volunteering at Nathan T. Hall Elementary School and attending her grandchildrens sporting events. An artesian with her needle, she crocheted many beautiful items from bedspreads to doilies. Stella also travelled extensively throughout the world creating beautiful memories of her travels to Europe, Australia, New Zealand and throughout the United States. She loved Alaskan cruises and the train ride to Denali National Park and Preserve. She especially loved traveling back to the Azores with her children to introduce them to her family and culture, especially Portuguese foods. Stella was also known as being the "Queen of QVC". She loved shopping with them and especially watching the shows all day long. Stella will also be remembered for her love of Christmas! Year after year her home became a Christmas showcase! Stella enjoyed sending out Christmas cards to all her friends and family around the world. Her card was always the first card received by allmarking the start of the holiday season! Stellas family will receive friends at the MacPherson Funeral Home, Newark Valley on Saturday, OCTOBER 9, 2021 from 10 am until the start of her Memorial Service at 11 am which will be live streamed at https://my.gather.app/remember/maria-kanuk. Those wishing to remember Stella with a Memorial contribution are asked to kindly consider: Cure Alzheimers Fund 34 Washington St., Suite 310 Wellesley Hills, MA 02481 Website: www.curealz.org or Alzheimer's Association PO Box 96011 Washington, DC 20090-6011 Website: www.alz.org Condolences and memories may also be shared by signing her guestbook at macphersonfh.com . Visitation MacPherson Funeral Home Saturday, October 09, 2021 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM 5 Whig St Newark Valley, NY 13811 Memorial Service MacPherson Funeral Home Saturday, October 09, 2021 11:00 AM 5 Whig St Newark Valley, NY 13811