Lola Tolias Sioris
February 27, 1923 - July 19, 2010
Obituary
Lola Tolias SIORIS
Our beautiful Lola was born to Greek immigrants Tony Tolya and Greta Tolias on February 27, 1923 in Wilkeson, WA and passed away peacefully surrounded with love on July 19, 2010.
Known by her fabulous trademark smile and earrings and jewelry, she had unselfishly touched the hearts and lives of the Seattle and Greek community. She was one of the rocks in the foundation of her church, St. Demetrios. She taught the Bible to ‘her fifth graders’ for 57 years and made sure they knew it. She was always there for the preparation for church festivals and at the lamb booth with her Yianni. She was a charter member of the Hellenic Club later Philoptohos and past President. She was also a charter member of the Daughters of Penelope, past District Governor and past President and earlier Maids of Athens. Lola volunteered for years at the CARE booth at Frederick & Nelson, the Cancer Society, Magnolia PTA. She is one of the last ones of the golden era of the Greek community. Lola graduated from Broadway High School in 1940 and went on to graduate from the Griffin-Murphy Business College. In the 40’s she worked for Major Cogan at the Army Depot and also for the Washington State Nurses Association. Later on for the M.H. Detrick Co. always taking pride in her being the boss’s right hand. In November of ’41 she met the love of her life John Yianni in church and waited for him to return from WWII to get married on June 2, 1946. An icon of a couple for 62 years. Her best job was that of a wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend.
Lola was the mother of Vicky Lee Stantinos and Collette Niko Apostolakis, grandmother of John and Lia Feras and great grandmother of Tia. Also survived by her brother Christto. Preceded in death by her husband John, daughter Nicky and brothers Tom, Jim Demetri and sister Helen. The family would like to thank everyone at the Columbia Lutheran Home for Lola’s special care and the nurses and doctors at Swedish/Providence.
Visitation Tuesday, July 27, 2010 from 12 Noon –5 PM at Bonney-Watson Funeral Home, 1732 Broadway, Seattle. Funeral Service 11:30 AM Wednesday, July 28, 2010 at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 2100 Boyer Avenue E, Seattle. In lieu of flowers, any donations may be made to the St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, Columbia Lutheran Home, or Am. Cancer Society.
Dear Vicky and Collette,
My mom told me of your mom’s death. So sorry for you and your families. I remember your mom well. She was so nice and always so put together. I especially remember her high heels.
Sincerely,
Shirley Allen Glas
Dear Vicky and Collette,
We are all so terribly sorry to hear about your Mom’s passing. She was a wonderful woman who we truly loved, and one of Mom’s very very best friends. We are thinking of all of you in your time of sorrow.
All our love,
Jim, Jon & Anne
I will miss that beautiful smile and will cherish all the great memories. I love you Auntie Lola.
Dear Vicky, Collette and families:
Your mom was so beautiful, with those dark piercing eyes, tiny waist, and beautiful accessories.
My first memory is from when your sister Nicky died. It really affected me, and I as an adult always admired Lola’s strength in dealing with such a tragedy; Collette’s birth seemed to finally bring her out of her sorrow, and she and your Dad adored their beautiful girls.
Years later, I have fond memories of seeing you all at Golden Gardens. Your Mom got so dark – and I was so envious!!! I remember she would always slide back her watch, to show me her tan line. Later still, I fondly remember honking and waving to your Dad, who I would always see on the Magnolia Bridge during one of his long walks. What a great love they had for each other, for the two of you, and for your families.
I am hoping they are all reunited now, and catching up on all the time they missed. May their memories be eternal, and may you live long to honor them.
Cathy
Auntie Lola i will always remember the sweet things u always had to say to me. You always had the brightest pretty smile and made everyone around feel good. Everyone that knew you was blessed to have someone like you in there life. I love you and you will always be in my heart and thoughts. Now you get to be around all the other loved ones up there an watch over all of us until we see you again. And when you see my grandpa up there you tell him i love him very much and miss him k love leona
Dear Collette and Niko,
Patty and I extend our deepest condolences to you.
You both can take comfort in knowing that you were extraordinary in your care and support of Lola during the last few years at Columbia Lutheran. We have the greatest respect for both of you for what you did for Lola.
I also want to express my heartfelt appreciation for how you treated my Dad. My Dad loves living at Columbia Lutheran and his happiness there is largely due to the people, like you, that he calls his “good friends.” I cannot tell you how many times he talked to me about “the cheek kisser” and “the big Greek.” You always helped to make his days a little brighter by being kind to him, and indulging him in his playfulness and humor.
Patty and I wish you both the very best for the future. You deserve it, and more.
The universe lost some of its sparkle when you left this earth. You touched many lives with your laugh, your smile, and your insight, which was truly a gift to all. Thank you for all the great memories Auntie Lola. I will cherish them forever. Love you, and have fun shopping at all those jewelry stores up there.
Kalo Taksidi Lola-Theodora-Mom, we miss you and we will love you forever and ever…
Dearest Collett, I will never forget your dear Moms big smile and her big welcome the first time I came to your home on Magnolia. I could feel the love in your home and after reading about your Moms life it warmed my heart again…
Hugs to you as you celebrate her life in these coming days…
Nicci
Kalo Taxidi Manoula, you will be missed forever, but you will be in my heart always.
Yiayia mou your special kisses you would give me every night have been passed on to your great granddaughter and all your guidance and great advice will be carried on as well. I will always remember you with your red lipstick and always being fixed up. My strong and beautiful Yiayia, you were a women’s activist before your time. Love you always..
My favorite Aunt! Always a smile, always had something good to say.You will always be remembered.
Have a great time with everyone up there and say hello to all.