Stella Pollalis, a resident of Santa Barbara since 1955, passed away on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at her home at the age of 94.

Stella is survived by her husband Gicas, her son Dino and his wife Kim, grandchildren Isabella and Maximilian, and nieces Elpiniki, Athena and their families. She was predeceased by her brothers Lazaros and Pavlos.

Stella was born in Athens (Kallithea) to Yiannis and Elpiniki Tsiligiris on September 6, 1925. An early death to her father led to some challenging times for the family during the Great Depression, the Nazi occupation, and the Greek Civil War.

Stella always had a dream of living in the USA. That dream was realized in 1955 sailing aboard the Queen Frederica. Starting in Philadelphia with her aunt Marika and her family, they moved across the country and settled in Santa Barbara. She was married to Gicas Pollalis on October 15, 1961 and started her own family.

Stella loved to decorate for the holidays and made the home comfortable and welcoming. She would always baking baklava, diples and many other pastries for family, friends and neighbors. She loved to knit and sew, creating blankets and sweaters for children of family and friends. Her family and the Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church Community were very dear to her heart. She was a fixture at the annual Greek Festival and also led the parish in the feeding of the homeless. She was a member of Philoptocos Society and the Daughters of Penelope. Stella enjoyed listening and dancing to Greek folk music. She was an animal lover and fed cats around the neighborhood. As a doting mom and grandmother, she diligently attended all school activities and athletic events. She had a big heart for people in need and was always willing to help. Stella was creative and energetic in all her endeavors.

Her Funeral will take place at 11:00am on Friday, January 15, 2021 at Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church. She will be laid to rest at the Santa Barbara Cemetery. May her memory be eternal.

Arrangements under the direction of Chapman Funeral Homes - Terry & Mary Harmon, Funeral Directors. Toll free (855) 628-0447.

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Obituary notice for Chapman Funeral Homes. Please visit www.chapmanfuneraldirectors.com .

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