"Miss Stella" probably invented the extended family because she lovingly watched over Mashpee children in the spirit of "it takes a village to raise a child." As a school committee member for many years, she was a fixture in the education process. Like many Mashpee Wampanoag women, she had a large family of her own, but she took the time and interest in the youth of Mashpee. If she caught them skipping school, writing on the walls, or other mischief, you could depend on a good scolding about the importance of attending school. She usually ended with, "I won't tell your mother this time, so you'd better not do this again." She had a lovely singing voice and served as the church soloist. She sang at weddings, funerals, and parties. Her ever present smile was infectious, but more importantly she was loved by everyone.