Stella (Cristea) Lazar

Stella Lazar was born in Lisa, Romania, on July 1, 1938. She was the daughter of Metodie and Mary Cristea, and grew up in the difficult times of World War II, and the communist oppression that followed. She lost several siblings in her childhood (with only one surviving younger brother), and faced many great challenges and hardships during that time. This helped forge her spirit and give her an inner strength and determination that would eventually help her become a matriarch to her family and others. Despite these hardships, she was also a kind and loving daughter, who always put her family first. Her foremost desire was to have a family of her own, one in which she would protect and love, above all, throughout her life.

In 1964, she came to the United States with her family, to escape communist oppression, and settled in Sharon, PA, where she supported her family by working at Westinghouse. She was active in the community, and the Orthodox Church, and through the church, met her future husband Ioan (John) Lazar, whom she fell in love with, and married in 1971. She remained so united until his death in 2013.

Stella's dream came true, and after marrying, moved to North Canton, OH, where she had her two sons. She focused on her family with most deepest resolve, and sacrificed her life to ensure the success of her children. Throughout this, she became a wonderful cook, and would regularly entertain her friends and family with hearty dishes, including traditional Romanian cuisines, specializing in soups and stews, as well as lavish spreads and appetizers. Her hospitality was beyond compare and no one ever left her home hungry.

In 1986, she relocated to New York City to support her husband's career but also worked for a few years for the Taxi & Limousine Commission, as her children grew older. After moving to Altamonte Springs, Florida in 1990, she continued building her reputation as a strong and compassionate woman, and many people found inspiration in her words and deeds. Her maternal instinct was so powerful that once someone got to know her, they couldn't help but call her “mama.” Mama Stella was, and will continue to be loved, by all who knew her, forever.

Stella Lazar died early in the afternoon, on March 20th, 2021, at her son’s home in Longwood, FL, peacefully in her sleep after a long battle with kidney disease. Both of her sons were by her side.