Stella was born under a star in 1927, delivered by her father on the floor of their log house in Clear Hills, Alberta — the seventh of fourteen children. Last Sunday, she passed from this world peacefully at sunrise, again at home surrounded by family. In those marvelous years in between, Stella was a mother, a sister, an aunt, a grandmother, a flirt, a friend, an ally, and a ferocious spirit. She left Alberta arm-and-arm with her husband Dean, and they raised five children across Vancouver Island and Northern BC. Between running cafes, fishing lodges and the Parksville beach concession, Stella was proud to have traveled the world, from Australia to Lesotho, Germany to Vanuatu. That was, until her grandchildren came along. Stella settled in Sidney, BC with her eldest son Tom, whom she cared for through his final days. It was soon clear that ‘grandmother’ wouldn’t cut it — we needed a new word for this extraordinary woman. Stella chose ‘Baba,’ in honour of the mother of her cherished son-in-law, Patrick Slobodian. And she was Baba to many, drawn by her loyalty, faith, wit, and always endless love. In her 70s, while volunteering at Maxwell International Baha’i School, Stella became a painter, and art poured out of her. It was, like her, beautiful. Stella lived a singular life and wore it lightly, feeling things deeply but always ready with a smile and a wisecrack of welcome.
Stella passed to the next world as she lived in this one, surrounded by her loving children, Kit, Sandy (Patrick), Bob (Lynn) and Barb, before reuniting with Dean and Tom. She will be missed, terribly, by her eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Indeed, she will be missed by anyone lucky enough to know her.
Service will take place at 11 am on Thursday, February 11, 2016 at McCall’s Downtown, Johnson & Vancouver Streets. Please join us by dressing colourfully for this event, in honour of Stella/Baba/Mom’s vibrant spirit.
“…That she may plunge into the sea of light in the world of mysteries” (‘Abdu’l-Baha).
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall’s Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
27 Responses
Sandy, I am sorry that I never met your dear mother. My deepest condolences and love to your family at this time!
Dear friends, family and admirers of our dear Stella: We cannot adequately express our appreciation for the Hospice care that enabled Mom to stay at home, to Dr. Walt Salmaniw who went beyond the call of duty in his care and to her family who surrounded her with love, always. We are so grateful for the outpouring of love and support. If you were unable to attend but would like to see the service you can go to this link: http://www.livememorialservices.com/ServiceDetail.aspx?id=4188
I only met Baba once, but heard many praises from jess. My sincere condolences to the entire family.
Shelley
Much love to the family and multitude of loved ones. Stella was truly a star.
How is it we never met. So sad that.
She was born under a star in 1927, and became a shining star throughout her entire life. Lighting up the way for family, friends, community members. and strangers.
I had deep respect and admiration for her during the bountiful Maxwellian years.
My sincerest condolences to Stella’s large, fortunate family.
Blessings to all,
Laura Maben
Sadly we are not able to attend but we share in prayers and joy as Stella’s sweet soul soars in the immensity of space and paints the sky with colors more vivid than could ever be produced in this world of shadow. With you in spirit as you celebrate her life!
Much love from Houri, Anisa, Andrew & Ahdi