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planted in memory of Stella Sandrina Rijs
Obituary for Stella Sandrina Rijs
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Stella Sandrina (Todaro) Rijs, age 86, of Windham, CT on March 24, 2020. Stella, Sandy as many knew her, was born April 3, 1933 in Willimantic, CT to Salvatore and Angelina Todaro. She was preceded in death (October 4, 2003) by her husband, Eugene F. Rijs.
Stella was the middle of 3 sisters brought up around the well-known Italian Gardens restaurant owned by her parents. She received her business degree from the Morse School of Business. Later in life, she opened Sandra’s Dress Shop on Main Street in Willimantic. Stella was full of life and loved everyone she met. Once you spent time with her you became family and she would want to feed you. She was well known for her coffee and blueberries muffins that she made for all the neighbors to enjoy at her kitchen counter every day. She had been a lifelong member of St. Joseph’s church, was involved in many clubs and proudly served in the Italian Lodge for many years.
Stella is survived by her son Joseph and his wife Jara of Windham, CT and her daughter Sangee Rijs Wallace (Barkhamsted, CT) and ex-husband and friend Darren Wallace (New Hartford, CT). 2 beautiful granddaughters Dana Rijs and her fiancée Zachary Cobb of Ashford, CT and Hailee Wallace (Barkhamsted, CT). And her good friend and sister in law, Irene Racicot of Plainfield, CT. As well as many nieces and nephews.
Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Sandy’s honor to St, Joseph’s Church in Willimantic CT or the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org in tribute of Sandy Rijs) or mail to Alzheimer’s Association National Processing Center PO Box 96011, Washington DC 20090-6011.
To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.baconfh.com
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