Esther M. (Correlli) DeStefano

ESTHER M. DESTEFANO (nee Correlli)

Esther Mary DeStefano, “Tess”, age 94, passed away on May 12, 2023. The youngest of six children, Tess was born on September 16, 1928, the daughter of Giovanni (John) and Vincenza Carrelli. She was raised with a strong work ethic, instilled by both of her parents who immigrated to this country from Fossalto/Campo Basso, Italy by 1919. Tess was a lifelong resident of Canton and a devout Catholic, formerly attending St. Anthony and current member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church. She graduated from McKinley High School in 1946.

At Myers Lake Moonlight Ballroom, she met and then married the love of her life, Chester (Chet) DeStefano, celebrating 51 years of marriage, devoted to and caring for him until his death in 2010. Tess’s lifework centered around home and family. She was known to be an attentive and loving mother to sons Scott and Mark. She was an outstanding cook and baker, often blessing family and friends with delicious homemade cookies, nutbreads, muffins and cream puffs. Her house was immaculate and so well organized, she could have taught Martha Stewart a thing or two. In her later years, a desire to keep up with household chores resulted in a hip fracture while climbing down a step ladder after cleaning the top of her freezer! Always active, she enjoyed and took pride in working in the yard or tending to flower beds. And once her house and yard work were done, she would get her exercise indoors, walking in the basement family room while saying her Rosary. As a good listener and conversationalist, she was very honest, offering pearls of wisdom and never hesitating to speak her mind. With Chet’s influence, from his years refereeing, she loved watching sports of all kinds while enjoying popcorn and a beer. She had a wonderful sense of humor and an ornery side, too. Her longevity could be attributed to good genes, positivity and her faith. She will certainly be missed by her loving sons, Scott DeStefano and Mark (Kay) DeStefano of Canton; grandson, Alex DeStefano (Mentor); as well as many nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, beloved husband, Chet; sister Evelyn Alvarez; brother Carm Carrelli, and twin brothers John and Joseph Correlli (Canton); and brother Merion Correlli (Canoga Park, CA).

The family would like to give special thanks to Home Care by Callos and especially to caregiver, Betty, who helped keep Tess safe, comfortable and happy in her own home. Thanks for brightening Tess’s days in her final months.

A private funeral service has already taken place. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joan of Arc Church in Tess’s memory.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Esther M. (Correlli) DeStefano, please visit our floral store.