Obituary of Hedy Stehly

“ It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Hedy Hayashi Stehly, of Willingboro, on February 21, 2025. She is predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Earl B. Stehly jr. and her son, Dr. Guy Stehly. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Jennifer and Rick Polino, Elaine and James Becker, Alan and Danie Stehly, Gail and Lonny Marcinczyk, and Richard and Lorraine Stehly; her daughter-in-law, Kathy Stehly; her grandchldren, Jason, Shay, Collin, Kendall, Stewart, Natalie, Ben, Nathan, Sasha and Kiri and her beloved great grandchildren, Madeline, Nicholas, Sophia, Savannah, Ryan, and Theo.

Hedy was born on April 14, 1928 in Tokyo, Japan, where, at the age of 19, she fell in love with Earl, who was serving in the US army. They were married two years later. Shortly after the birth of their first child, they moved to the US , where Hedy quickly adapted to American culture and customs. She studied hard and became an American citizen. She also taught herself to cook western style food and became an excellent baker.

In the following years, Hedy had five more children and was very busy providing guidance, love, and support.

Throughout her life, Hedy had a genuine appreciation of art. She loved visiting museums as well as creating her own works of art, and she was an active member of the art alliance in Willingboro.

After their children had grown, Hedy and Earl traveled extensively through Europe, South America, Asia, and the United States. If, during one of these excursions, they encountered a character in costume, whether it was Ben Franklin in Philadelphia or the British guards at Buckingham palace, Hedy was always sure to get her picture taken with him or her.

Hedy also enjoyed theatre, dancing, tai chi and mystery books. In later years, she was in her happy place when she was watching tennis tournaments or Eagles football games. She always knew the names of all the athletes and had her favorites.

Hedy was a gracious person, who almost always had a smile on her face. She was fun to be around and often shared anecdotes or jokes that made everyone laugh. She had a very long, full life, but those closest to her feel she left too soon. She will be missed forever.

Viewing  will be held at the Goes-Scolieri Funeral Home, 212 Veterans Parkway, Willingboro NJ on Wednesday, February 26 from 10 to 11 AM. Interment will be private and at the convenience of her family. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your charity of choice”