Estelle "Stella" Svoboda Obituary (1908 - 2010)

Estelle Casmyra Svoboda, 101, passed away on March 26, 2010 at Wisdom Court Assisted Living Home. She was born on October 4, 1908 in Eleanor County, PA to Alex Pocius and Julia Bagdonas, both of whom were born and married in Lithuania. She had two sisters and three brothers. Stella, as she was called, lived in Pennsylvania until age four, when she moved with her family to Westville, IL, where she completed Grade 4. The family then moved to Chicago where she attended Whittier School and graduated 8th grade. She then attended Harrison High School for only two months when her family moved back to Westville. At age 14, she worked in a bakery "painting" pies and in a factory sewing overalls. At age 15, she moved by herself back to Chicago, working at Stein's Garters and Formfit Company, where she worked for 38 years, eventually becoming Supervisor of Sewing. She met James Svoboda at Windy City Bowling Alley and they were married on January 1, 1937. Their son, James Michael was born on December 24, 1937. Jim met Sharon Strejc at Morton High School in Cicero and they were married on April 25, 1959. Four grandchildren were born - Scott Michael, Mark Steven, Karen Elizabeth and Amy Lynn. Stella was preceded in death by her husband, James; son, Jim; grandson, Scott and granddaughter, Capt. Amy Lynn, USAF. Estelle enjoyed a good game of golf and was an excellent bowler. She participated in the Women's International Bowling Congress annual tournaments for more than 25 years. She won many national awards, and was a lifetime member of the "Les Dames" National Organization for women who bowled a 700 series. At one time she was Tucson's Woman Bowler of the Year. She was a member of SaddleBrookes' Sputters putting club for many years. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at Vistoso Funeral Home, 2285 E. Rancho Vistoso Blvd. Oro Valley, AZ 85755. Her ashes will b e buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Forest Park, IL, next to her husband Jim. She is survived by daughter-in-law Sharon; grandson Mark; granddaughter Karen and many friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Casa de la Luz Hospice Foundation, 400 W. Magee Rd. Tucson, AZ 85704. To view the Memorial Service, Click Here.