Stella Papez

February 15, 1940 - April 8, 2024

In Loving Memory ~

Stella passed away peacefully in her own home, surrounded by love on April 8, 2024 at the age of 84. Stella was born on February 15, 1940 in Skandali, Greece. She was the youngest of seven children born to Christos and Eleni Lazarou.

Stella moved to Australia to be with her sisters. There she met and married her husband Steve, the love of her life. Stella and Steve moved to San Fransisco, Toronto and then ended up in North Vancouver where she worked as a soldering technician for 25 years at the same company.

After retiring, Stella and Steve moved to Campbell River so they could enjoy fishing, hunting and camping. They also enjoyed many trips together around the world. They were partners in every sense. Stella could hold her own catching the biggest halibut or hunting along side Steve.

Stella was kind, thoughtful, hardworking and extremely strong in her faith. Her trust in Jesus was unwavering. She was a loyal, respectful, honest and generous friend and made many lifelong friendships where her friends felt like they were her family.

Stella was a loving and devoted wife to her husband Stefan as she would call him. She would visit him everyday at Discovery Harbour for 6.5 years. They meant everything to each other. Their love, respect and devotion to one another was something beautiful to witness. Stella and Steve's home was always filled with love, laughter, and amazing food. They were happiest when they were hosting their friends.

Stella was predeceased by her loving husband Steve of 62 years, her parents Christos and Eleni Lazarou, her in-laws Mile and Franka Papez, her brothers Leo, Kostas, Odysis, her sisters Evangella, Despina, brother-in-laws Leonida, Damitris, Peter, Bruno, sister-in-laws Kola and Ana.

She is survived by her sister Silvia, sister-in-laws Helen and Stavroula and many nieces, nephews, family, kumovi and friends in Greece, Australia, Croatia, Canada and the United States.

A special thank you to all the wonderful neighbours, friends and parishioners from St. Patrick's Church who supported Stella and Steve over the last 7 years. A special thank you to Bill and Surinder Tsangaris, Gurdeep and Kulwinder Sidhu, Bill and Tousula Stavropoulos, Ivan and Margaret Klaric, Virginio and Fatima Ferreira, Ivan and Marija Cizmic.

Thank you to Father Mel and Father Jan for their many visits and prayers. A special thank you to Robert and Laureen from the visiting ministry.

A sincere thank you for the kindness and wonderful care Stella has always received from Dr Noel, Dr Veerapen, the Quinsam Medical staff, Dr Morrison, Dr Proctor and the Cancer Clinic Staff.

The last five months have been difficult for Stella without her Stefan. A heartfelt thank you to all the amazing people who were so instrumental in Stella's care and who helped in achieving her wish to be home. The Campbell River hospital doctors, nurses, staff, the 3A staff, Dr Morrison, Shauna, Jeanna and the Palliative team, Dan and the OT team, Karena and her staff at Evergreen, Dianne, Nicole, the nurses and care aides from Home and Community Care.

A special thank you to Bill and Surinder for their kindness, support and daily visits.

A funeral mass will be held Monday April 22, 2024 at 11:00 am at St. Patrick's Church at 34 South Alder Street, Campbell River. A prayer service will be held on Sunday April 21, 2024 at 7:00 pm at St. Patrick's Church.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in memory of Stella Papez to the Campbell River Hospital Foundation (www.crhospitalfoundation.ca/).