East Millinocket –Stella Maria Thibodeau, 86, died Friday, November 4, 2016 at Katahdin Healthcare, surrounded by her family. She was born June 25, 1930 in Bronx, New York, the daughter of Joseph and Antoinette (Civiello) Gagliardi. Stella was a graduate of Stearns High School, class of 1947, and of Burdett College in Boston. After graduation, she worked at the Otis Elevator Company in Boston and also at the Great Northern Paper Company office in Millinocket. Stella married Robert J. Thibodeau in 1951, and together they raised five children. While their children were growing, she re-entered the work force as an Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent of Schools in East Millinocket, from 1963 to 1989. She worked under superintendents Woodrow Mercier, Raymond Hillman, Edward Savage, and Dr. Ralph Ryder. Stella was very conscientious and held her position to high esteem. Very proud of her Italian heritage, Stella was a wonderful cook. Memories of lasagna, spaghetti and meatballs and pizza were enjoyed by all. To know Stella was to love her – the words “humble and kind” describe her well. Stella was predeceased by her husband, Robert, Sr. in 1980, and her beloved son, Robert, Jr. in 2007. She always said “he slipped the bonds we all shared.” She is survived by four daughters, Catherine Hinse and her husband Daniel, Sandra Kimball and her husband Chummy, Mary Thompson and her husband Michael, and Sharon Thibodeau and her significant other, Pat Provenzano; ten grandchildren, Christopher Hinse, Anthony Hinse and his wife Alisha, Carrie Jo Chasse and her husband Ron, Brian Kimball, Robert Kalloch and his wife Lilah, Antoinette Cox and her husband Alan, Denise Gibbs and her husband Brett, Angela Thibodeau, Jeffery Thibodeau and his wife Amber, and Jon Michael Spearin and his wife Heather; twelve great grandchildren; four step grandchildren, Kristi, Kari, Traci, Tammi; a brother, Joseph Gagliardi and his wife Delores; two sisters, Shirley Oliver and her husband David, and Maryann Underkoffler; a sister in law, Mary Lou Hart and her husband William; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to her husband, Stella was predeceased by a sister, Josephine Bresnahan. The family would like to thank Dr. Dunstan for his compassionate care while a patient at Katahdin Healthcare, and also Beacon Hospice of Bangor. Family and friends may visit with the family 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. Monday, November 7 at the Lamson Funeral Home, 17 Western Avenue, East Millinocket. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 A.M. Tuesday, November 8 at Christ the Divine Mercy Parish, St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 58 Cedar Street, East Millinocket with the Rev. Bruce Siket, pastor, presider. Interment will be at the East Millinocket Cemetery. Gifts in memory of Stella may be sent to Katahdin Healthcare Activities Fund, attn. Tina Robinson, Director, 22 Walnut Street, Millinocket, ME 04462.