Ines Giovanna Raffaela (Panella) Stefani

Ines Giovanna Raffaela (Panella) Stefani was the beloved wife of the late Aldo Stefani, daughter of Ida and Giuseppe (Pino) Panella, sister of Ralph Panella (Theresa), sister-in-law of Ernest and Lucille Stefani and dear cousin of Malvina Gasparotto who she referred to as a sister, all of whom have preceded her in death.

Ines grew up with Italian immigrant parents, all of them learning the English language together. She attended Catholic Schools from grade 1-12; Our Lady of Sorrows, Assumption Grotto, St. Jude and St. Anthony HS, all in Detroit, MI. Ines met Aldo in her late teens and finally married him after a very long courtship on Jan 26, 1957.

Ines worked as a Secretary for Chrysler, Lipshaw Manufacturing and then as an office manager for the Shriners, all located in downtown Detroit. Ines and Aldo were also co-owners of Warren Bowl Lanes Detroit MI in the 50’s & 60’s and Vienna Greens Golf Course in Clio, MI in the 70’s. She retired in 1995.

Ines enjoyed bowling and played in a league in the 60's and 70's. She loved card games and played in a Pinochle Club with her girlfriends once a month. She joined the Venetian Women’s Club at the age of 16 and was a Gold Card member at Club Venetian. Ines was very proud of her Italian heritage and the work these clubs did to support and keep the culture alive at home and in the community. Ines had several cousins in the Vicenza region of Italy that she would visit and stay in contact with. She was a very good cook and enjoyed hosting parties and holidays for family and friends. The door was always open and room for one or two more at the table.

Ines and Aldo loved to travel and were fortunate to see many parts of the world and share their experiences with their children and grandchildren. They also enjoyed their annual golf outing to Crystal Lake with their amici (friends). We cannot forget their favorite restaurant, Joe Muer's, in Downtown Detroit.

Ines leaves behind a legacy of traditions, love and strength through her three children — Christine (Barry) Alick, Cuba MO, Martin (Teresa) Stefani, and Paula (Steve) Alliston both of Lake Orion — She was the loving Nonna to: Carly (Kevin) Venegoni, Jill (David) Bann, Ryan (Rachel) Alick, Julie Alliston, Elaine (Kevin) Zoller, Sara (Eric) Bowman, Megan & Ethan Smith. Caring Nonni to: Tyler, Brady, Eva, Duke, Maci, Bryn, Brody, Sadie and Aldo (plus one on the way) who will carry her spirit and memory in their hearts forever. Ines cherished being a Zia, Godmother and friend to so many.

A Funeral Mass celebrating Ines’s life will be held at 11am November 17, 2025

St. Joseph Catholic Church

715 N Lapeer Rd.

Lake Orion MI 48362