Born in Los Angeles in 1952, Stephanie Zanglis Soewers arrived just in time to witness the opening of Disneyland and rise of the Beatles.  As a teenager, replete with a "fall" and hot pink paisley bell bottoms, and her lanky Greek goddess stature, she established herself as a fashion maven and beauty.   Living with her father, Steve, yia yia Athena, and sister Connie (Brian), nephew Keith (Katie), nephew Jeff (fiancee Bridget) and niece and Goddaughter Kristen. Stephanie grew up in beautiful Monterey Park during a time when the hills still swayed with grass and kids could spend hours in the park unescorted.  She did not grow up with her mom Sunny and half-brother Bruce.   Hence, Stephanie always considered herself blessed when Uncle Roy Zanglis, while walking on a beach in Greece, spied a beautiful woman, Christina, married her, and brought her home.  Best souvenir ever! Christina also later in life provided the best "sister cousins," Athena (Peter); children Alexa, Theo, and Zoie; and Iris (Ian); children Sophia, Godson Jacob and Hanna, and taught love and graciousness by example.

While at Mark Keppel High School in Alhambra, Stephanie and her friend made the news, winning the league championship in tennis.  She later paid her own way through Cal Poly Pomona.  While we are certain she excelled, nobody really remembers what she studied.  Business maybe. She eventually completed Court Reporting school, establishing herself in Los Angeles, along with her business partner, as the best looking and smartest reporters in town. They successfully ran their business for many years, garnering friendships and some awfully good stories along the way. (Back to the Beatles, she even met George!)

Fast forward a few years and a couple of cute sports cars later, a very fast Canadian named Randall Soewers, aka Randy, spied her in their condominium complex and left her a note in her mailbox. Stephanie and Randy married thirty-two years ago, establishing a loving home surrounded with family and friends. Randy's parents, Herb and Elaine, sister Allison and brother-in-law John, children Liam and Zoe, and sister Pam shared frequent visits and a few frozen adventures, too.

Stephanie's job took her to Brazil, where a fateful meeting with two lovely Brazilian sisters led to the happiest times.  While in church with her nephews and niece, a call came from Brazil asking if perhaps she and Randy might consider adopting a baby boy.  With the help of now dear friends, ten months later Stephanie walked up the ramp at LAX with their son, the joy of her life, Alexander.  A devoted mother, Steph always wanted the best for Alexander.  He has excelled in so many aspects of his life, with an uncanny knack for quoting movie scenes, learning languages, and exasperating punnery. All of this led to loving friendships with their "Brazilian family."

Stephanie mostly loved her vacations to Greece and Greek and Belgium family, who have called her their "diamond." Indeed, her trips to Greece during her youth fed her lifelong joy for travel and adventure. Whether climbing a mountain during a monsoon in Nepal, riding to the top of the world's tallest building in Dubai, sweating in the jungles of Cambodia, skiing a slope in Park City, on safari in Africa or praying in the Holy Land, to name a few, she approached life with joy and an openness to learn and love. She loved her faith and family at Saint Anthony Greek Orthodox Church, which ingrained a sense of morality and compassion.   Working tirelessly for Saint Anthony's Philoptochos, with her loving Philoptochos sisters and friends, Stephanie helped coordinate food for Union Station and Friends in Deed, and Christmas gifts for children in need.  A lover of doggies, and especially Tango, Belle and Abbie, she organized the first Blessing of the Animals. Philoptochos recently honored Stephanie for her service.

Stephanie used to say that in the family she got the height and her sister got the brains.  How very wrong!  Her titles include athlete, dancer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist; her attributes include intelligence, wit, thoughtfulness, compassion, and grace. But mostly she cared to be called friend, cousin, nouna, sister, wife and mom.  May her memory be eternal.

Services were held at Saint Anthony Greek Orthodox Church, 778 South Rosemead Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91107. The Trisagion was at 7pm on Monday, October 16, 2023, and the funeral was at 10:30am on Tuesday, October 17, 2023. Interment followed at San Gabriel Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Anthony Philoptochos at 778 S. Rosemead Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107 or Friends in Deed food pantry in Pasadena friendsindeedpas.org .

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

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

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