Stella Sedillo Centopani

Centopani, Stella Sedillo
Stella Sedillo Centopani of Rio Rancho, NM passed away on May 10, 2015 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. She was born on December 6, 1932 in Socorro, NM to Miguel and Emma Sedillo. She was preceded in death by her son William M. Centopani; her parents; her sister, Rita Short. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, William A. Centopani; daughter, Gina Fitzgerald and husband, Robert; 2 grandchildren, Sara and Sean of Stafford, VA; a sister, Marjorie Burciaga of Richardson, TX; a niece, Toni Marie Gutierrez of Albuquerque, and many relatives in Connecticut. Stella’s family lived in Socorro and Las Cruces before moving to Albuquerque in the late 1940s. She met her husband while he was in the Air Force stationed at Manzano Base. They were married in 1955 and lived in Connecticut until 1960 when they returned to Albuquerque. She spent most of her early married life making a home for her husband and two children. While her husband pursued his career with The USDA Soil Conservation Service, she made a home for her family here in New Mexico, Oklahoma, New York, California, and Virginia. After her children were grown she worked as an Aid on a school bus for the handicapped children in Fairfax, VA.; she loved working with the children. After retirement, she and her husband moved to Florida before returning to New Mexico in 2006 and settling in Rio Rancho. A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Daniels Family Funeral Services, 2400 Southern Blvd SE, Rio Rancho, NM. A private family inurnment will take place at a later date at Santa Fe National Cemetery. The family would like to extend their appreciation to Home Instead Senior Care and to the Hospice of the Sandias.  
Daniels Family Funeral Services
2400 Southern Blvd
Rio Rancho, NM 87124
505-891-9192