Stella Hall

Stella Turkie Hall passed away peacefully on July 1, 2021. She was born on October 1, 1935 in Tunisia to parents Helene and Jacques Turkie, Mizrachi Jews from Jerusalem. Stella has shared with friends her experience of living in Tunisia under Nazi occupation during World War II, relating that she could no longer go to school with her friends because she was Jewish. She recalled with joy seeing the American tanks coming down the street as the Nazis had retreated. She has recounted the kind way that the American soldiers treated the population. Reaching adulthood, Stella was fluent in Arabic, French, Spanish, and English. She studied at the Sorbonne. She utilized her fluency as an employee of the American Embassy in Tunisia, translating for the Americans to Tunisians involved in agriculture. Stella had a long career with Alitalia Airlines, traveling the world on behalf of the airline. After settling down in the United States, she created a strong circle of devoted friends, both near and far. She religiously attended a monthly French/Spanish speaker's group. Stella was well read and maintained a most interesting personal library. She was surrounded in her home with art work and art pieces acquired from her travels around the world, as well as some of her own art creations. Judaism was core to her being as could be seen in her surroundings. Stella was a beloved member of Anne Frank Hadassah and was particularly endeared by the Anne Frank Hadassah book club. She contributed much to the discussion. At one point, she brought a photograph of her paternal grandparents and their entire family, including her father as a young man, taken in Hebron, June 1929. They left for a vacation the next day and were not in Hebron when the massacre occurred. Stella brought to life for us that which was part of Jewish history. Stella was a fabulous cook and loved to produce wonderful dishes for Anne Frank Hadassah pot luck lunches. She loved to entertain all of her friends in her home. Stella was a bright star in the lives of her friends and we are grateful for the many years she was with us. Her friends were her family. Burial is at Temple Emanuel Cemetery with Rabbi Avigayl Young officiating. Memorial contributions can be made to a Jewish charity of your choice.

Stella Hall

October 1, 1935 - July 1, 2021