Clara Stella Arcila

SPRINGFIELD, IL- Stella Arcila, (born Clara Stella Gaviria Londoño) of Springfield, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, January 16, 2021. She was born February 8, 1933 in Bogotá, Colombia to Miguel Gaviria Caicedo and Maria Londoño Ordoñez.

Survivors include one son, Ed Arbelaez of California; one daughter, Maria Arcila Duncan (husband, Erick) of North Carolina; two grandchildren, Gabriela Marie and Andrew Nicolas Duncan; and devoted friend Liz Beiderbecke-Hart.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, German Arbelaez; and one brother, Carlos Gaviria Londoño.

Stella grew up and lived the earlier part of her life in Bogotá, Colombia. She and her children emigrated to Chicago, IL in 1968, and the family relocated to Springfield in 1970. Stella became a naturalized American citizen and lived the majority of her life as a resident of Springfield. She graduated from nursing school at St. John’s Hospital, where she worked in the High Risk Unit and NICU for 30 years. She was liked and respected by her patients and co-workers for her dedication and kindness. She had many friends who benefitted from her wisdom and unique sense of humor. The pride of her life was her children and grandchildren, who adored her deeply.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cause that she admired and supported.

Cremation was accorded by Staab Funeral Home – Springfield.

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