Dixie Stolfa

Celebrating the Life of Dixie Stolfa

Dixie “Ma” Stolfa, born in 1943, peacefully entered heaven after bravely living with Alzheimer’s. Even as her memory faded, her warmth, humor, and boundless love remained.

Ma devoted her life to caring for others, especially children. She raised five children with unwavering love: Todd (Tommy) Stolfa, Doug Stolfa, Deanne (Todd) Perring, Tony (Molly) Stolfa, and Nikki Stolfa. She spent many years shaping countless little lives through her beloved daycare. To Ma, every child was family.

She shared a beautiful life with her late husband, CJ Stolfa, who preceded her in death.

She was the daughter of Donald and Mildred Stein and was later blessed with a loving stepfather, Frank Williamson. Ma was preceded in death by her father, Donald; mother, Mildred (Frank); stepfather, Frank (Mildred); a brother, Ronald (Shirley) Stein and a sister, Shirley. She is survived by her brother, Donald (Phyllis) Stein, Jr.; stepsister, Bonnie (Gerry) Callahan; and many loving family members.

Among her closest companions were her wonderful sister-in-laws, Chris Kraft (Ed) and Camille Cornwell (Bob), who were not only family but lifelong friends and constant sources of joy.

Ma’s legacy lives on through her 11 grandchildren: Krista (Dustin) and Christopher (Lacy) Stolfa, Maggie (Ryan) Perring Leake, Patrick Perring, Macie Perring, Ellie, Cooper, Kate Stolfa, and Isabella and Joey Kiper, and Bodie as well as 7 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Her joy was in the simple pleasures: long walks, sunny days, country music turned up loud in her PT Cruiser with the windows down blasting Toby Keith, and cherished moments with her family at the Beachcomber in Longboat Key.

She was our Ma, and her love leaves footprints on every life she touched — just like the sandprints she cherished at the Beachcomber.

Cremation rites have been accorded. The family will hold a private celebration of Ma’s life at a later date.

Memorials may be made in her name to:
Central Catholic High School Athletics Department, 1201 Airport Rd, Bloomington, IL
Peoria Children's Hospital (for the compassionate care given to her grandson, Christopher).

To express condolences online, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.