Stella Fryda 1945-2026

Born March 21, 1945, in Poland, Stella was the cherished daughter of Franciszek and Franciszka (Leszczynska) Leszczynski. She completed both high school and tailoring school in her home country before bravely beginning a new chapter in the United States in 1967.

On May 10, 1969, Stella married the love of her life, Casimer Fryda. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with devotion, shared dreams and nearly 57 years of unwavering love. Their marriage was the heart of their family, a partnership grounded in kindness, faith and deep commitment.

Stella’s gift for tailoring was more than a profession — it was an art form. She worked for McKelvey’s Department Store and later Richmond Brothers before continuing her craft from home for many years. With skillful, caring hands, she altered and created countless wedding gowns, prom dresses and business suits. Many in the community marked life’s most important moments wearing garments lovingly shaped by Stella’s expertise.

A woman of strong Catholic faith, Stella was a longtime parishioner of the former St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Youngstown, where she gave her time generously to the pierogi kitchen. After its closing, she became a devoted member of St. Michael Catholic Church in Canfield. Her faith guided her daily life and the way she treated others — with compassion, humility and gratitude.

Stella loved traveling, especially family trips to Florida, but her greatest joy was always found at home, surrounded by those she loved. She was the steady center of her family, the one who held everyone together with warmth, wisdom and boundless love. Time spent with her only grandson, Dominic, brought her immeasurable happiness and pride.

Stella will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her husband, Casimer, of Canfield; her daughter, Christine (Ken) Carano of Canfield; her grandson, Dominic (Lauren) Carano of Canfield; and her sisters, Helena (Chester) Tofilski of Berlin Center and Maria (Wieslaw) Niemiecz of Poland. She also leaves behind her sister-in-law, Jennie Fryda, and many nieces and nephews who adored their beloved aunt.

Stella was preceded in death by her beloved parents and by her brothers, Henry Leszczynski and Jan Leszczynski. She carried their memories in her heart throughout her life and their reunion brings comfort to those she leaves behind.

The Fryda family has entrusted Stella’s care to The Kubina-Yuhasz Funeral Home in Boardman.

Calling hours will be 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, at the funeral home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Canfield, officiated by Father John-Michael Lavelle. Guests are asked to meet at the church at 9:45 a.m.

Stella will be laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown.

Please visit www.waskofamily.com to view her obituary and share condolences with her family.

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