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

 

  • Gloria Egeli

    Sandy, I am sorry that I never met your dear mother. My deepest condolences and love to your family at this time!

  • Slobodian/Edgar family

    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

  • shelley curran

    I only met Baba once, but heard many praises from jess. My sincere condolences to the entire family.
    Shelley

  • Karen White

    Much love to the family and multitude of loved ones. Stella was truly a star.

  • Steven and Andrea Doran

    How is it we never met. So sad that.

  • laura maben

    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

  • Skuce/Newell's

    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

  • Dolores Nimrichter

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Baba was a very unique person. I only had the pleasure of seeing her a couple of times but did get quite a few laughs in her company. May she watch over all her family and “keep you all in line.” haha. Rest in peace Baba.

  • Lauralyn Houle

    Love to you all. My auntie Stella. I have memories as a young girl in Paddle Prairie of auntie Stella arriving – I admired this tall long legged beautiful woman with wild reddish hair. She walked in with love and compassion and energy that was like a storm. For me as a young girl I saw someone living their life reaching out and taking hold of her space. When I was eighteen I was fortunate enough to go the Fishing Lodge on the Great Bear Lake and help auntie Stella with the cooking. I loved that experience auntie Stella made me proud by always giving me compliments and encouragement to keep moving forwarding. Auntie Stella loved her little bro, my dad Clarence, I loved seeing my dad surrounding by his sisters. I am doing my best auntie Stella to walk a good path — what helps me be there is always reaching back to the mountain of strength the Houle women gave us. I always remember your kindness towards me.
    with Love your niece Lauralyn

  • Nahid & Zak Rabbani

    Please accept our sincere sympathy! God bless her soul.
    You are in our prayers.

  • Mark Miller

    We often exchanged puzzled glances, Stella and I, wondering at the bizarre and the incoherence. We didn’t need to say much, but we knew that what was spoken as truth was not and that the banal surface covered a cancer underneath. My memories are strong of our non-words and I trust that secrets will be kept. Go in peace, my friend. Warmest condolences to the family and friends.

  • Gary Danard

    I wish I could have come to say goodbye in person. My very warmest wishes to all of her family. Although it has been over fourty years since I have seen her I have talked to her several times over the last couple of years. I believe that she will be missed as she was loved.

  • Kaylee Mahbobi

    I didn’t know Stella all that well, I wish I did. The small memories I have with her are funny and bright. She let me walk the amazing Poodle Watsy and she gave me delicious popcorn, we laughed at the fact that the dog jumped on me and followed me. After only spending a short amount of time with her, I knew she was like another grandmother. I am sad to say that I cannot attend the ceremony, I will say prayers and keep her in my heart. Even though I am not confident in my artistic skills, I will practise more often, and add more colour to my drawings, to my life, and the lives of others, like she did.

  • Barbera Pearson

    Kit & Family:
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. The world lost a shining star, but heaven gained an angel and your family will have an amazing guardian angel looking over them.
    With our deepest sympathies and condolences,
    Barbera & Christopher Pearson

  • Lori

    Stella was an AMAZING woman & will be missed far more than, I think, she would have ever imagined. She made me smile and laugh so much!! Loved you! From a new baba <3

  • Lori

    Stella was an AMAZING woman I will be missed far more than, I think, she would have ever imagined. She made me smile and laugh so much!! Loved you! From a new baba <3

  • Lisa Brosseau

    It has been many years since I was last in Stella’s presence, but even now I can still feel the heat and glow of her spirit. I found her to be a stupendous and audacious woman and secretly wished I could have had a mother like her in my life. She was love and beauty and spirit incarnate. I was more of a lurker in the background and wish I had asserted myself into her life to have had more of her wisdom, presence, and thoughts. She was, indeed, stunningly beautiful and such a force to behold. Her family must feel the void but, to have had Stella in their lives is a bounty few have and which they will have in their hearts, forever.

  • Guy and Laurie Jackson

    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.

  • Deloria Bighorn

    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

  • Leola and Glen

    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.

  • MaryRose Lessoway

    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.

  • Dan Hingley

    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.

  • Heather Cardin

    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.

  • Renée Layberry

    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.

  • Tweedy

    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 …

  • Gail (Clark) and David Gallupe

    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.

  • Debra bell

    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;

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