Ella DeStefano Barna

April 1, 1907 - August 23, 2016

Ella DeStefano 109 formally of Freeland died Tuesday at Mt. City Nursing and Rehab., Hazleton where she was a guest.
Born in Freeland on April 1, 1907 she was the daughter of the late Peter and Anna Barna.
She was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church, Freeland where she was a choir member since childhood.
Before retiring she was a seamstress for the former Freeland Shirt and Carmella’s Dress Factory, Hazleton.
Ella was one of the founding members of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary Unit post 5010 in 1947 and held many positions including being past president multiple times with the auxiliary. She has also had the privilege of laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington.
Ella enjoyed singing to the residents one of which her favorite songs was God Bless America, playing Bingo, Bingo scratch offs, going to the casino and playing the daily number. She has been an inspiration to her family and has provided support to them in all their endeavors.
Preceding her in death in addition to her parents is her first Husband; John Pohida. Second Husband Dominic DeStefano 1986. Brothers; Peter, Michael, and John Barna. Sisters; Eva and Susan Barna, Mary Skuba, and Anna Crofcheck. Daughter; Ester Catalano. Son ; John Pohida. Infant Daughter; Mary Ann DeStefano. Daughter in Law; Mary Ann (McAloose) DeStefano and Son in Law; Edward Banja, several nieces and nephews also preceded her in death.
She is the last surviving member of her immediate family.
Surviving is her Son; Richard DeStefano- Drifton. Daughters; Eleanor Banja and Irene Malloy both of Freeland. Daughter in law; Xe Thi Pohida. 24 grandchildren, 62 great grandchildren, 37 great great grandchildren, 6 great great great grandchilden and several nieces and nephews also survive.
Funeral will be held Saturday 9:30 from the McNulty Funeral Home 494 East Butler Dr. Freeland. Divine Liturgy with Office of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10am in St. Mary’s Byz. Catholic Church, Freeland.
Friends may call at the funeral home Friday evening from 6 to 9 pm.
Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Freeland.