Maria A. (Jooss) Stevens

Maria A. Stevens, 87, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 4, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Geusfeld, Germany, Maria was the daughter of the late Anton and Anna (Lugscheider) Jooss. She immigrated to the United States at the age of 22 and became a proud naturalized U.S. citizen in 1968. Maria began her life in the U.S. working at Cantell’s Supermarket in Westfield before devoting herself to being a homemaker. A compassionate and generous soul, she volunteered with the YMCA and spent many years assisting elderly members of her community—offering rides to medical appointments, preparing meals, and helping with their errands. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life: gardening, sewing, knitting, baking, and cooking. Her ice cream cakes and traditional German potato salad were family favorites. She loved sitting on her patio, birdwatching and enjoying the beauty of her gardens. Maria especially cherished camping trips with her family and time spent at their property in Pennsylvania with her beloved husband, Charles. Her greatest joy came from family gatherings, holidays, and celebrations. Known affectionately as “Oma,” Maria held a special bond with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is survived by her devoted husband of 56 years, Charles D. Stevens of Westfield; her three children, Anna M. Wassung and her husband Gary of Westfield, John Wayne Pignatare of Westfield, and Jason A. Stevens and his partner Claudette Nolting of Feeding Hills; nine grandchildren—Amy, Tracy, Billy, Adina, Nikita, Jason, Rowenn, Ainsley, and Reese; and seven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Alfons Jooss of Germany. Maria was predeceased by her siblings Helga Lough, Margrete Deso, Walli Tade, and Franz Jooss. Her funeral will be held on Friday, April 11, 2025, at 10:30 AM from Firtion Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:30 AM at St. Mary’s Church, Bartlett Street, Westfield. Burial will follow at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Maria’s memory to the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Leeds. www.firtionadams.com

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