Sue Stefani Obituary

Pasqualina Susan Noto De Stefani, a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and cherished friend, peacefully passed away at home on July 18, 2025, at the age of 92. Born on August 15, 1932, in New Rochelle, NY, Sue lived a life rich in love, laughter, and the warmth of family. Pasqualina, known affectionately as "Sue," was the epitome of a typical Italian mother, embodying strong faith, grace, and strength. She married Bruno Antonio De Stefani on May 2, 1954, in New Rochelle, NY and relocated to Charlotte, NC in 1969, where they raised their family. She was a devoted wife and mother who supported her husband in every venture throughout their 69 years of marriage. For several years, Sue also worked outside of her home as a bookkeeper in the travel industry. While living in Charlotte, they were members of St. Ann's Catholic Church and provided a parochial education for their children. Sue and Bruno were proud to have each of their children graduate from St. Ann's Catholic School and Charlotte Catholic High School. Sue was deeply involved in her children's lives; she volunteered at their school, supported their Boy Scout activities, ran the concession stand at sporting events, offering both her time and energy to help in any way she could. Sue was an active member of the Christopher Columbus Club of the Carolinas, where her passion for her Italian heritage shone brightly. She possessed talents in crocheting, sewing, gardening, and most of all cooking. Sue's cooking creations filled the house with fragrant aromas and were documented in two editions of her and Bruno's DeStefani Family Heritage Cookbook, but there was nothing like the smell of her pizza fritta and Sunday "ragu" or the taste of her ice cream cakes spinning on the musical Happy Birthday cake plate. Sue's children fondly remember her warm and welcoming spirit-she had a way of "mothering" everyone who came through her door. No friend ever left without something to eat. Becoming "Grandma" was one of the greatest joys of her life, and she delighted in time spent with her grandchildren-whether teaching them to cook or playing together on the beach. Sue's vibrant sense of humor brought laughter to those around her, and she had a remarkable gift for making people smile. Above all, her Roman Catholic faith was a cornerstone of her life. She found daily comfort in prayer, especially in lifting up her loved ones. After celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary, Sue and Bruno moved to Surfside Beach, SC where they lived for 15 years. They were members of St. Michael Catholic Church, Murrells Inlet, SC. In 2019, Sue and Bruno moved to Greenville, SC, to be nearer to their children. They attended Prince of Peach Catholic Church. Sue's memory is forever cherished in the hearts of her four children, Steve DeStefani (Robin), David DeStefani (Tara), Eddie DeStefani (Rachel), and Sue Ellen Aucremann (David); eleven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. On December 11, 2023, Sue said goodbye to Bruno for a little while. Together, may they now find eternal rest. In addition to her beloved husband, Sue was preceded in death by her parents, Salvatore and Rosina (Asta) Noto and her brother, Frank Noto. Information on future services celebrating Sue's remarkable life and legacy will be forthcoming. To support her family at this time, please consider making a memorial donation to Saint Michael Catholic Church, 542 Cypress Avenue, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576, https://www.saintmichaelsc.net/, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38105, https://www.stjude.org/. Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Sue with the family by clicking on the button labeled "Leave A Message, Share A Memory" below.