Stella Hatza (Valavanis)

Stella Hatza, 94, formerly of Pennside and recently a resident of the Lutheran Home at Topton, died Saturday in Reading Hospital, West Reading.She was the widow of George L. Hatza Sr., who died Jan. 23, 2012.Born in Reading, she was the daughter of the late James and Marigo (Demetriades) Valavanis.Stella was employed by the former Berkshire Knitting Mills during the 1930s and 1940s. Later in life, she was employed by Boscov’s Department Stores.Stella was a member of SS. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church and a member of the St. Xenia Philoptochos Society, a service organization at the church. Stella was known for her quiet demeanor and her skill in preparing Greek cuisine.Although at the top of her class at Reading High School, her education was cut short in her junior year so that she could help to support her family during the Great Depression.She is survived by two sons: George L., Jr., of Exeter Township, and Kimon C., husband of Sheryl Santerian, Merion, Montgomery County; three grandchildren: Ani N., Nikki A. and Alexander K., of Merion; two nieces: Shirley Eleftherion of Allentown and Mary Jane Toggas of Gettysburg; and one nephew: R. James Willis, of San Antonio, Texas.Viewings will be held 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Lutz Funeral Home, 2100 Perkiomen Ave., Mount Penn, and again Saturday at 10 a.m. at SS. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 1001 E. Wyomissing Blvd. Funeralservices will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday at the church., with interment to follow in Charles Evans Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, contributions in Stella’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Delaware Valley Chapter, 399 Market St., Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA 19106.For online condolences, please visitwww.LutzFuneralHome.com.