Stella M. Born, 86, a longtime Naperville resident, whose childhood home was across from what is now the Naper Settlement, died Tuesday, Jan. 23, in her home. Born in Bradley, Ill., Mrs. Born moved to Naperville with her family at 14. Her family’s cows provided milk for the Martin family, who lived in a mansion that is now part of the Naper Settlement. Mrs. Born was retired from Cock Robin restaurant, where she worked for 50 years. “She probably served more malts and shakes to people than anyone in town,” said her granddaughter, Cathie Born. “She really enjoyed her job and made a lot of friends working there.” Mrs. Born was also a fastidious housekeeper, who for many years found satisfaction in giving rooms in her home a fresh coat of paint every two years. “She loved experimenting with new shades of color,” said her granddaughter. “Up until six years ago, she was up on a ladder painting her bedroom.” Described as energetic and hardworking, she also enjoyed ballroom and polka dancing. Mrs. Born was also a member of Naperville Moose Lodge 1290 and attended Calvary Church since 1974. “Mostly my grandmother was someone who really loved children and animals,” said her granddaughter. “She was always scouring garage sales for toys for her grandchildren and for the little ones in her neighborhood.” Other survivors include a son, Robert; a daughter, Joan McQuillen; a brother, Joseph Gienda; a sister, Mary Chuduk; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, in Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home, 44 S. Mill St., Naperville. Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home.
