Stella Muriel Hooks, 78, passed away peacefully at her home in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., surrounded by friends and family Friday, July 9, 2010. Loving mother of five children, Donna, Dave, Steve, Cathy and Shari; sister to Lorraine Dube; doting grandmother to Jeremy, Kati, Zachary, Jacob and Sarah; and great-grandmother to Kyle and Nicholi. Stella is preceded in death by her husband, Adam, and oldest son, Dave.

Stella was born in Lewiston, Maine, on Nov. 25, 1931, to the late Romeo and Regina Blais. After graduating from business college, she worked for a time at the Pentagon, then met and married her husband, Adam W. Hooks, Jr. Her career as devoted wife and mother started shortly after, traveling extensively with her military husband, living most of the time in Oak Harbor and most recently in Lauderdale by the Sea, Fla. A memorial service was held July 17 at The Center for Spiritual Living, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that all donations be made to any Hospice organization. Arrangements entrusted to Kalis-McIntee Funeral & Cremation Center, Fort Lauderdale. Online condolences at kalismcintee.com.