Obituary of Stephanie Firlej

Firlej, Stephanie (nee Pukala), 97, entered  into eternal life on Monday, September 7, 2020.  Stephanie was born in Plainsboro, New Jersey and at the age of 3 returned to Poland with her parents.  In December of 1960, Stephanie and her husband Bernard, sacrificed everything and brought their four children to America for opportunity and a better life.  They lived in New Hyde Park, Long Island, NY, then relocated to New Jersey, with most of their remaining years spent in Lyndhurst and the surrounding area.  Stephanie and Bernard were devout parishioners of St. Michael’s Church, Lyndhurst, NJ.  They had a deep devotion to Our Lady of Czestochowa and would often visit the national shrine in Doylestown, PA, where they attended many polish festivals.  Stephanie brought a smile to everyone’s face wherever she went, including her doctors and nurses even in her final hours.

Stephanie is predeceased by her beloved husband of 44 years, Bernard Firlej, in 1995, as well as her sisters and brothers, Agnes Domogala, Rose Goral, Joseph Pukala, and John Pukala.  She is survived by her loving children, Valerie Schwartz, Mitchell Firlej, Maria Smith and Andrew Firlej and his wife Patricia, and by her beloved grandchildren, Alicia and husband Ross Narucki,  Amanda Schwartz, Kurtis Firlej, Lisa and her husband Michal Terrell, Ian Smith and his wife Leslie,  Nicole and husband Jacob Stafford, and Thomas Firlej, and her 8 precious great-grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation held at Nazare Memorial Home, 403 Ridge Road, Lyndhurst, on Monday, September 14, 2020 at 9AM, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10AM at St. Michael’s Church, Lyndhurst.  Interment to follow for immediate family members at Our Lady of Czestochowa, 654 Ferry Road, Doylestown, PA.  Please express your condolences to the family by using our tribute wall.  

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, those who wish to express sympathy consider making a donation to the ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION or to OUR LADY OF CHZESTOCHOWA in Doylestown, PA, on her behalf.