Stella Parker Drendel, age 1, cherished and bright daughter of Kristen and Tyler Drendel; beloved granddaughter of Pamela (the late Theodore Drendel) Johnson and Gail (David) Tropeck; sweet great-granddaughter of Alice C. (the late Elmer C.) Stapel, Dolores (the late John) Tropeck, the late Richard (the late Dorothy) Johnson, Henrietta (the late Elmer) Drendel; smiley niece of Brian (Samantha) Tropeck and Chelsea (Neal) Elward; adored cousin of Isabelle Tropeck, Teddy Elward, and Arlo Elward; great-niece and great-cousin and loved by many.

"Little Stella Star" was the sweetest, curious, funniest, and most determined little soul to grace the earth. She was known for her fluffy blonde fauxhawk, beautiful ocean blue eyes, love of music, and her curated collection of animal pacifiers. Stella was silly and smart, she even shared her first words with her family a few weeks ago "Dada." She loved to snack on Puffs and Crunchies, cuddle nightly with mommy and daddy, and take stroller walks around the neighborhood.  She charmed everyone she met and always had a smile on her face. The staff at Advocate Children's Hospital even gave her a lanyard with her own ID photo as their honorary PICU Princess. Stella was very playful, her favorite was her musical toys and activity cube. Stella's favorite song was "twinkle, twinkle little star". Stella was a bright child who fought hard for every day and brought so much joy to her parents and all who knew her. She was our "Stella Strong".

Visitation, Friday, May 13, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Funeral Prayers, Saturday, May 14, 9:15 a.m. at Nelson Funeral Home, 820 Talcott Road, Park Ridge, IL procession to Queen of All Saints Basilica Chicago for 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial with interment to follow.

Memorial donations may be made to The Drendel Family to offset medical and final expenses or the NICU and PICU of Advocate Children's Hospital – Park Ridge and Oak Lawn. For info, 847-823-5122.