Stella Patricia Freyne (nee McMahon), 87, of Gwynedd Valley, PA, went home to God on November 14, 2023. She was the daughter of the late Dennis and Brigid (nee Boland) McMahon. She is survived by her husband of nearly 55 years, Patrick Freyne, children Patricia Halstead (Jeffrey) and Michael, granddaughters Kalin and Megan Halstead, brother Michael McMahon, sister Bridget “Maureen” Halliden (Daniel), sister-in-law Noreen McMahon, and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws in the US, Ireland, England and Australia. She was preceded in death by her brother Thomas McMahon, nephew Michael McMahon, and also by her mother-in-law Alice Freyne (“Granny”) who lived with her for more than 20 years.

Stella was born and raised in County Clare, Ireland and attended nursing school in Birmingham England, before emigrating to Brooklyn, New York. At a NYC Irish dance hall she met Pat Freyne of County Roscommon, Ireland and they were married November 16, 1968. Stella continued her nursing career over four decades, working first as an obstetrics nurse and then on private cases, even after moving to the Philadelphia area in 1984. In later years, she spent time in Bayonne, NJ with her son Michael as well as in Pennsylvania. 

Stella was a devoted and loving caretaker of everyone, whether it be in her role as wife, mother, grandmother, relative or friend. She was a people person, who truly enjoyed interacting with others and took genuine interest in everyone’s stories. She formed many lifelong friendships and made a point of staying in touch, even over long distances, through her favorite hobby of chatting on the phone. She was a gifted talker and listener. She took many photographs (with a camera, not a smartphone) and often wrote notes on the back of the prints with funny captions of the memory.  Her favorite subjects were her granddaughters Kalin and Megan to whom she is  “Nana” and with whom she formed cherished memories during numerous days of babysitting.  Through her loving patience, playful nature, and Irish knack of storytelling, she created a beautiful childhood for them and a strong loving bond with them. She was also considered “Nana” by many beloved neighbors and in-laws, whom she adored.

Stella was a woman of faith, who would often advise to “bless yourself” when confronted with difficult life situations. She was a warm and giving person who endeared herself to many and was loved dearly by family and friends. She will be missed tremendously, and our love for her and her memory are forever in our hearts, especially her hearty laugh…”…in the lilt of Irish laughter you can hear the angels sing…”.

Relatives and friends are invited to Stella’s Funeral Mass on Tuesday , November 21, 2023, at 11 am at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church , 428 South Main St., North Wales, PA 19454, where her family will receive friend’s in Church, from 10 to 10:45 AM, prior to Mass.