Adventurer, Educator, Friend and Devoted Mother and Wife
Stamatia passed peacefully in Powell River at 80 years of age. She is survived by her children Kelly, Todd and Keith, their spouses, and her grandchildren, great-grandchild and her extended family.
Stamatia was born in Springfield, Illinois, to her father Thomas and mother Veronica (Bonnie) as the youngest of a family of four siblings. Growing up as a part of a mixed immigrant family, she helped in the family confectionary business and was taught how to play poker by her older brother Nicholas. While the habit never stuck, she was always left with a sense of adventure and was not shy to take risks. As a young woman, Stamatia met her future husband and then father of her children Kenneth while attendingUniversity of Colorado and studying languages on a full scholarship. Married life led her on a series of adventures ranging from Alaska to Guam to Canada’s Northwest Territories and many points in-between.
Stamatia and Ken retired to the Sunshine Coast in the late 1980s and enjoyed establishing themselves with new friends and lifelong companions.
After Ken’s passing, Stamatia met her second husband John while taking dance lessons at Dwight Hall. After marriage they settled into a quiet and enjoyable retirement. For many years they enjoyed their home, travelling, reading and discussing economics, politics and speculating on global events.
In the final stages of her life, Stamatia was provided with exceptional care by Doctor Lynskey and through the VCHA Home Support Program, PR Home Care and many dedicated friends and family. Stamatia leaves the world with peace and love in her heart for all she knew. She will be sorely missed.
A notification of a celebration of Stamatia’s life will be forthcoming. She requested that people, “Do not stand at my grave and weep.”