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
We are all very sorry for your loss. Baba was a great lady with a very big heart. Thinking of all of you at this time.
I am sad I won’t be here for the honouring ceremony for Stella. She was such a great lady, warm, loving, wise and noble. She is a rising star in the firmament of Abha! Love to all her family, Deloria
I have a hard time thinking that Baba Stella has risen into the next realm-but I know she is gracing the light with joy, dance and song- whilst painting new canvases which the inspiration of the Abha Kingdom will give her- knowing she is lovingly sending her love to all that she touched with such heart and love and kindness. I will miss her and Glen has been quite sad about her leavetaking. I like that she will be visiting with my Mom and Elsa too. We were so lucky to have Mom cared for by her. Unfortunately I won’t be able to make it but will say prayers at that time. Love to all.
Stella was a unique soul and a vivacious spirit. She grew more beautiful and courageous with age. I always admired her spunk and humour, her depth and artistic ability. I didn’t realize that she only started painting in her 70’s. What a woman! May she find her way home to her family and peace.
My condolences to the family and all who loved her.
Passing along my thoughts in this time of sorrow. I know how much Mrs. Edgar was loved by the family we share & how fondly she has always been refered to.
This description is remarkable. Its eloquence and colour call to heart a woman I recall as genuinely kind, vibrant, remarkable, completely present, and lovely. I will remember her in prayer with warmth and passion. God speed.
Kit, Barb, and Sandy, our thoughts are with you. I feel privileged to have been connected to Stella through Barb, Jess, and Zoe, and will treasure the memory of her alongside you in the years to come. May the love and light she stored up in you over the years comfort you as you miss her physical presence. Lots of love—Warren, Renée, Leah and Daniel.
To all Auntie Stella’s beautiful family condolences to all. You guys have laid out a beautiful celebration of her life – one of a kind – as was she. painting beauty with her chrisma and spreading it unselfishely with us all. I will always remain thankful for her returning to alberta and takin the time to get to know her brother Clarences family a task hard to do when one has 13 siblings. She took time for them all. I give thanks for her sprit and wisdom and rejoice in her peace as she journeys into eternal life. Mom also sends condolences as she talked about the many happy times she shared with Stella and her family – peace be with you …
I have such fond memories already stored of my dear Auntie Stella. She was always so kind and warm toward me and my siblings. I will surely miss her as I miss my own mother, however I take some comfort in believing that Stella’s own mother and father, sisters and brothers are now close to her. David and I send our sincere condolences to Stella’s family and friends.
I am so sorry to hear your baba passed away. no matter what, its painful to let go but also joyous to know her soul is still very much present;