Stella Ziouras Obituary

Ziouras, Stella

In Loving Memory of Stella Ziouras

Stella Ziouras, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, wife, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 3rd. She is survived by her three children, seven cherished grandchildren, and her loving sister.

Stella was an incredibly warm and genuine soul who made everyone feel welcome and cared for. Her kindness and empathy touched all who knew her. She had a gift for making others feel seen, heard, and loved - whether it was one of her children seeking comfort, a friend in need, or a customer at the restaurant.

Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, Stella faced adversity early on, losing her father when she was just nine months old. She grew up surrounded by her devoted mother and three sisters, whose bond sustained them through life's challenges. She loved traveling to Kalamazoo, Michigan to see her extended family there and couldn't get enough of Lake Michigan's beaches. A cheerleader in high school, Stella brought her bright spirit wherever she went. She later became a middle school teacher, perfectly suited for the lively and tender hearts of first through third graders. Her students adored her - she could relate to them effortlessly and made each one feel special.

Fate brought her together with her husband, John, in a true storybook way. While working at the Ziouras family restaurant, Stella caught the attention of her future mother-in-law, who called her son - then in New York - and told him he had to come meet this wonderful Greek girl. He did, and the rest was history. Though traditional in many ways, Stella delighted in rewriting the script by asking John to marry her - and, of course, he said yes.

Together, they spent the next decade building restaurants in the Chicago area alongside their extended family before moving to Utah in 1982, where their success continued. Stella was the heart of the business - greeting customers with her radiant smile and kind words, making everyone feel like family.

Beyond her professional life, Stella was a pillar of strength and compassion for her loved ones. She guided her children through life's hardest moments with gentleness, resilience, and unconditional love. Her greatest joy came from her family, and she poured her heart into caring for her children and grandchildren.

After retirement, Stella moved to Denver, where she lovingly helped care for four of her grandchildren - keeping their home filled with warmth, laughter, and her signature sense of order. She later returned to Salt Lake City before moving back to Denver in 2020 to be near her daughter and grandchildren once more.

Stella was a light in every room, a source of steadiness and joy for all who knew her. She loved Christmas, owls, angels, sweet treats, and her morning coffee - simple pleasures that reflected her appreciation for life's small joys.

Mom, we love you. You will forever be missed, remembered for your love, your laughter, and the grace with which you lived your life. Thank you for giving us such a beautiful example of strength, kindness, and love.

A graveside service will be held at Elmwood Cemetery on December 13, 2025 at 10:00 a.m., followed by a memorial lunch at Plateia Mediterranean Kitchen, located at 9860 N Milwaukee Ave, Des Plaines, IL. at noon.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association as we continue to strive for a cure.

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