Lisa Christine Stathopoulos fell asleep in our Lord’s loving arms on Friday, February 1, 2013. She was a woman cherished by her husband Peter, son Nicholas, her parents, siblings, relatives, colleagues and friends. She will be missed.
Lisa entered this life on February 11, 1964 in Santa Barbara, CA. Early in her life, Lisa displayed a natural talent towards creative writing, creating stories and poetry about the world around her. She would ride her horse Sunshine to the beach and often accompanied her father while he trained racehorses. As a youngster she was a voracious reader; studied piano with Avonell Jackson and participated in National Piano Guild and Certificate of Merit. Attending San Marcos High School, Lisa became a member of the National Honor Society and graduated with honors.
After two years at UCSB, Lisa moved to San Diego, CA to pursue a degree in Nursing, which she attained in 1987. Additional study earned her a Master’s Degree in Nursing and certification as a Nurse Practitioner, a career she enjoyed for the next 10 years. Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing listed her among their membership. She will also be remembered for her heartfelt poetry, which was published several times.
In October of 1988, Lisa was married to Peter Nicholas Stathopoulos, also of Santa Barbara. Their only child, Nicholas was born in 1992. She enjoyed volunteering at her church; reading the latest novels; and writing poetry. She was active in the St. Barbara Greek Ladies Philoptochos Society, Daughters of Penelope and spent many hours as a Sunday School teacher. She was especially proud of her son Nicholas, a junior at Kent State University in Ohio.
Lisa is survived by her husband Peter; son Nicholas; parents MaryEllen and Grady Kimbrell; brother Mark; sister Joni; her many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Viewing will begin at 6 p.m. followed by a memorial Trisaigion service at 7 p.m. on Monday, February 11 at St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, 1205 San Antonio Creek Road, Santa Barbara. Funeral services will commence Tuesday, February 12 at 10:00 a.m. at the same location, with interment to follow at Santa Barbara Cemetery, 901 Channel Drive, Santa Barbara, CA. Everyone attending the funeral is invited to return to St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church for a memorial luncheon.
Flowers may be delivered directly to the church on Monday or to Welch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Chapels, 15 East Sola Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101-2505. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church or to Daughters of Penelope #103, 1037 Sandpiper, Santa Barbara, CA 93110.
May her memory be eternal
