Dorothy S. Costanza

Dorothy Stelljes Costanza, a former Wakefield School Teacher, 88, of North Rd. Peace Dale, passed away on Friday, February 27, 2009. She was the wife of the late Joseph P. Costanza, and sister of the late Lewis Stelljes. Born in Brooklyn New York in 1920 to John and Bertha (Kirchner) Stelljes, Dorothy grew up in Wakefield and Wyoming, RI. She graduated from Westerly High School and Rhode Island College of Education (now Rhode Island College) and taught first and second grades at Wakefield Elementary School until her retirement in 1969. Dorothy was a member of the South County Players during its early years, an active member of the German Conversation Group of South County, and the South County Women’s Club. Her interests included languages, popular literature, cake decorating, and animal rescue and care. Dorothy will be remembered for her kindness, humor, generosity, and dedication to social justice. She is survived by her daughters, Joanne Costanza and Carole Costanza of North Rd., Peace Dale, and her granddaughters, Jennifer Melish of Wakefield, and Tara Melish of Washington, DC. She is also survived by Peter Stelljes of Wakefield, Kyle Stelljes of Narragansett, Karen (Stelljes) Wilkes of East Greenwich, and Eugene Stelling of Wakefield. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, March 14, 2009 at the Church of the Ascension, Main St. Wakefield. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Home and Hospice Care of Rhode Island, 143 Main St, Wakefied, RI 02879; or the Jonnycake Center Food Pantry, 1231 Kingstown Rd. Peace Dale, RI 02883.