Stella R. Bobowick

Stella R. Bobowick, 84, of Fairfield, beloved wife of Alphonse J. Bobowick, died on July 30, at St Vincent’s Medical Center, Bridgeport.

She is survived by a son, Dr A. Roger Bobowick and his wife, Barbara, of Newtown, and a daughter, Cathy (Bobowick) Harmonay and her husband, Richard, of Newtown.

Born in Bridgeport to the late Joseph and Frances (Zaluski) Ochman, she went to St Michael’s Parochial School and graduated from Warren Harding High School in 1934. After her marriage in 1938, Stella lived in Fairfield for the rest of her life. In 1934, when Bridgeport and the rest of the nation faced some of the worst days of the Depression, Mrs Bobowick, in her maiden name of Stella Ochman, brightened front pages of the city and state newspapers by being selected to reign as “Miss Connecticut.” She went on to the national “Miss America Pageant” competitions that year at Lake Hopatcong, N.J., where she finished as “First Runner-Up.”

After raising her six children, Mrs Bobowick spent the last 35 years working with her husband and sons at the Three Doors Restaurant, the oldest family operated restaurant in the Greater Bridgeport area. She was kind and giving and lived her life serving others. In 1992, she was awarded a Papal Honor, The Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice. Mrs Bobowick quietly contributed to many local charities.

In addition to her husband, son, and daughter, survivors include four other children, Marcia Lynch and her husband, Dr Vincent A. Lynch, of Branford, Donald X. Bobowick of Trumbull, Richard J. Bobowick and his wife, Esther, of Monroe, and Barbara Terry Turner of Fairfield. Mrs Bobowick is also survived by her beloved brothers and sisters, Theodore and his wife, Mary Ann Ochman, Helen Trudeau, and Edward Ochman; 12 grandchildren; and 21 nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers, Joseph Ochman and Albert Ochman.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St Andrew Church, 435 Anton Street, Bridgeport, on August 2.

Commerce Hill Funeral Home, 4798 Main Street, Bridgeport, was in charge of arrangements.

Donations in her memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

The Newtown Bee         August 4, 2000