Stella Truchan

Stella Mae (Corean) Truchan, age 84, passed away February 13, 2022, at The Denver Hospice Inpatient Care Center, with family at her side.

Stella was born in Spearfish, SD, on November 21, 1937, to Tom and Alice (Henwood) Corean.  Stella was raised and educated in Spearfish.

Stella was active in and loved to play girls basketball in her high school years.  After graduation, she worked as a telephone operator in the days of manual connection on a telephone switchboard. She later achieved her CNA certification in North Dakota.

Stella was a loving and devoted mother to her four children Wayne, Bill, David, and Sharon, whom she shared with former spouse William F. Truchan.  After living for short periods in Deadwood, SD, Rapid City, SD, and Killdeer, ND, Stella settled in Dickinson, ND where she resided from 1965 to 2020. She worked as a nanny for a few years and then St. Benedict’s Health Center for over 45 years, first in the laundry and then as a CNA for most of those years.  She had a kind and gentle heart for her children, family, friends, and others, and was a dedicated mother, friend, and worker. She served as a Cub Scout Den Mother, and was active in the Homemaker’s Club while a young mother.  She had a special place in her heart for pets, and for most of her life had a cat or dog, or both.  She looked forward to visiting her hometown in Spearfish for annual family reunions, and enjoyed visiting parks and going for walks. Stella came to Broomfield, CO in September 2020 and lived near her daughter.

A talented musician, Stella played piano by ear, and could also read music.  She also played her accordion beautifully.  Her children recall her playing piano while they stood by singing Christmas carols and on other occasions.  Stella loved music and attended country and other music festivals and concerts for many years.  Her faith was a cornerstone in her life and she enjoyed the fellowship of the local church.

Survivors include her three sons Wayne (Maria) Truchan, William D. (Barb) Truchan, and David (Kim) Truchan, daughter Sharon (Kelly) Ozzello, and grandchildren Tyler Truchan, Ben Truchan, Jason Truchan, Chris Truchan, and Emma Truchan.  Also surviving Stella is her brother Chuck (Judy) Corean.

Stella was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Florence Hood and Dorothy Madler, and brothers Tom Castor and Jim Corean.

Her suggested memorials are your local animal shelter or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Please share your memories of Stella or condolences to the family on her Tribute Wall.