Carmena Brigida Caivano-Stoney

Carmena Brigida Caivano-Stoney, 77, of Bedford Township, passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, March 24th, 2018, surrounded by the love of her family and in the comfort of her daughter and son-in-law's home during her final moments. She was born on May 15th, 1940 in Newark, New Jersey, a daughter of the late Anthony Caivano and Lucy (Maresca) Caivano. On May 22nd, 1965 at Saint Rose of Lima Church in Short Hills, New Jersey, she married her husband of 47 years, Edward Stoney. They retired fulltime to Bedford in 2008 and Ed passed away on January 23rd, 2012. Together again, heaven is witness to the love and laughter they shared for so many years. She is survived by their daughter Lucille Kentner and husband Keith Kentner of Bedford Township, two grandsons, Kyle Kentner and Brennan Kentner of Bedford Township, and many loving family members throughout New York, New Jersey, and Florida, who, though miles away, were very close to her heart. A graduate of Millburn High School, Millburn, New Jersey, Class of 1958, Carmena was a staunch advocate for individuals with disabilities while living in New Jersey. She was co-founder of a civil rights group, "The Equalizers," who fought to ensure that local municipalities, nationwide retail chains and local school districts made their facilities more accessible to those with mobility issues. She was successful in bringing numerous entities into compliance with the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. True to her independent nature, Carmena requested that those who loved her visit her while she was still alive, rather than follow the traditional path of a viewing after her passing. She also instructed her family not to mourn, but to "Say a prayer, kiss me goodbye, and go out for a nice dinner to remember me. Always be happy." Her family would like to thank the many friends who visited during her final days, including her dear friend Lillian, Pastor Dave Weinhold, and the wonderful nurses and aides at Home Health Agency and Palliative Care. The loving words that were spoken while she was still able to hear undoubtedly added to her comfort and peaceful transition. Honoring her final wishes, services will be private and her friends and relatives are encouraged to follow her advice. As an expression of sympathy, instead of flowers or gifts, please take your loved ones out to dinner, remember Carmena fondly, and make laughter and good times a priority in your own journey through life. Arrangements by Dalla Valle Funeral Service, Main Street, Everett.

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