Obituary of Stemi Gorman

Our wonderful mother and grandmother, Stemi Gorman, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2017 at Vassar Hospital, at the age of 95. Right up to the end, Stemi uttered her favorite saying, “nobody has it better than Stemi”, exemplifying her sincere appreciation of her many blessings and her thankfulness to God. Stemi was born in Poughkeepsie on June 17, 1922 as the oldest of four children to Constantine (Gus) and Erasmia Arniotou Antonakos.

Stemi was a 1940 graduate of Poughkeepsie High School and the Barbizon School of Fashion in New York City. She was a life-long member of the Kimisis Greek Orthodox Church.

Stemi had many work experiences including being a candy dipper, a jewelry buyer for Lord & Taylor, a clerk for the Town of Poughkeepsie, a secretary at Graymoor Monastery, and later in life, a beloved hostess at the Dutchess and Palace Diners.

Life handed Stemi many difficulties, including two previous marriages before her humility, thankfulness, and positive attitude led her to meet and marry her soulmate, Bernard James Gorman, in 1972, who passed away in 1983. Their too short love affair was legendary.

Stemi was known for her renowned cheesecake recipe, love of dancing with Bernard, and creating needlepoints for her family. She was involved with the American Red Cross, Ladies Philoptochos Society, and the Bardavon Opera House, as well as many other community organizations.

Stemi was pre-deceased by her parents, her siblings, George Antonakos, Maria Stratos, and Joanna Papastrat; son-in-law Philip Polanchik; and second husband George Pagones. She is survived by her devoted and loving daughter, Mia Polanchik, her son, Lee Pagones, her “rock,” and his most cherished and compassionate wife, Judie (Stemi’s other daughter); and being Nana to the loves of her life, her grandchildren, Nicholas Polanchik, Amelia Santoro and her husband, Rob, Greg Pagones and his fiancée, Tarren Manfredi, Alex and Tim Pagones; and her precious great-grandchildren Landon and Parker Santoro. Stemi is also survived by James Pagones, his wife Joan, and their children Jordan Pagones and his wife, Ann Marie, and Julia Pagones; and nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. 

Stemi’s greatest joy was her children and grandchildren, and was grateful for their love and respect. She leaves this world with the love and respect by all who knew her. Those left behind know “there was no one better than Stemi.”

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, December 26, 2017 from 4:00pm - 8:00pm at the Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home, Inc. 371 Hooker Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603. Funeral Services are on Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at 11:30am at Kimisis Greek Orthodox Church, 140 South Grand Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603. Burial is to follow at Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Kimisis Greek Orthodox Church. To send an online condolence, please visit our website at www.doylefuneralhome.com