Julia K. Stadler, 79, of Trumbull died peacefully April 25. She was the daughter of the late John and Julia Bujnak Stadler and the sister of the late John J. Stadler and Dorothy Giacomini. Born in Bridgeport on June 11, 1937, she was a lifelong Trumbull resident.

Her loving family members, including sister-in-law Jane M. Stadler of Newtown; nephews and nieces; eight grandnieces and grandnephews; and extended beloved family in New York and Bavaria, Germany, survive her.

A graduate of Lauralton Hall, she received her bachelor's and master's degrees in education from the New Haven State Teacher's College.

Ms Stadler taught in the Monroe School system for 35 years, most notably kindergarten at Stepney Elementary. Known as "Miss Stadler," she touched the lives of her students and has been fondly remembered long after retiring in 1994.

She was active in her church and the community for many years. She served as a lector at Christ the King Church, tutored at the Mercy Learning Center, served the homeless at the Thomas Merton House, and provided comfort to the residents at Bishop Wicke Health Center.

Ms Stadler was an avid traveler, fortunate to set upon adventures with her sister Dorothy near and far. Her favorite destinations were Cape Cod, the Maine coast, and visits to her beloved extended family in Bavaria. She had a close circle of friends with whom she enjoyed outings to the symphony, theater, and their annual Memorial Day lunch at Duchess. Family and friends were Ms Stadler's love and joy, as well as her cherished cats.

Always equipped with a kind word, she had a canny ability to make her students, family, and friends feel special. Ms Stadler had an infectious smile and a kindness in her heart that will be missed by all who knew her.

Friends may call Sunday, April 30, from 2 to 5 pm, in the Redgate-Hennessy Funeral Home, Main Street and Gorham Place, Trumbull.

Funeral services will be conducted on Monday, May 1, at 10 am, meeting directly in Christ the King Church, 4700 Madison Avenue, Trumbull, with a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 1056 Daniels Farm Road, Trumbull.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to the Thomas Merton Center, 43 Madison Avenue, Bridgeport CT 06604.

To send online condolences, visit redgatehennessy.com.