Stella Havas

Stella Havas of Berkeley Heights, N.J., died Thursday, June 14, at Overlook Hospital in Summit after a long illness. She was 80. Born in Jersey City July 31, 1931, she was the daughter of Thomas and Stella Eggleston Flaws, both of whom had settled in the United States from Newcastle on Tyne, England. Following her education in the Jersey City public schools, she worked as a secretary on New York's Wall Street before marrying her high school sweetheart, John M. Havas, in 1951. Later that year she moved to Augusta, Georgia, working for the U.S. Army Signal Corps, after her husband was called up for military service. Following her husband's discharge, Mrs. Havas retired from business to raise a family and moved back with him to Jersey City. The couple subsequently lived in Sayreville before moving to Westfield, where they lived 30 years before retiring to Vero Beach, Florida. Mr. and Mrs. Havas returned to New Jersey in 2008, settling in Berkeley Heights. Stella Havas is survived by her husband of 61years, a retired businessman. Her survivors include a son, John R. Havas, of Berkeley Heights; two daughters, Valerie Havas Schwab of Stone Ridge, N.Y., and Nancy Farrell of South Orange, N.J.; five grandchildren, and a sister, Letitia Berkoben of Westwood, N.J. Following cremation, a private service was held at Gray Funeral Home, Westfield. Memorials may be sent to the Berkeley Heights Volunteer Rescue Squad, 378 Snyder Avenue, Berkeley Heights, N.J. 07922.