Stella Spanos Graham
March 18, 1928 - October 17, 2025
Stella Spanos Graham passed away peacefully at her home on October 17, 2025, surrounded by her family. Born on March 18, 1928, in Stockton, California, she was the fourth child born to Constantine and Evanthia Spanos. As a child, Stella took tap dance lessons and played piano and the clarinet. Together with her three older brothers, they formed a tap dance group during their teens and performed locally. She attended Stockton High School, Stockton Junior College, and the College of the Pacific. Stella worked for the SJ County Welfare Office for several years until she was married.
Stella married Earl Thomas Graham, the love of her life, and moved to the family farm in Tracy, California. Together, they raised four children - Edward, Evie, Deana, and Mary. She was active in the upbringing of her children, volunteering at their schools and the local 4-H. She was a lifelong and faithful member of St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church and the Philoptochos Society. Stella and Tom shared a love of travel, exploring destinations around the world including Hawaii, New York, Greece, Italy, Germany, and Japan. They cherished the time they spent with her brother, Alex, and sister-in-law, Faye, traveling with them across the country to attend multiple Chargers games, Super Bowls, and various other events.
After Tom’s passing, Stella returned to Stockton to live near her brothers. She cherished the time she spent with her family and lifelong friends, watching Charger football games, and playing a spirited game of gin rummy.
Her warmth, kindness, and humor were her special traits that made her loved by all those who knew her. Her unwavering love and support for her family will be missed by those she leaves behind.
Stella was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Tom; her brothers Danny, Alex, George, and Leonidas Spanos; and her sister, Madeline Madsen. She is survived by her children: Edward (Sali) Graham, Evie (Jim) Robinson, Deana (Gary) Mariani, and Mary (Jim) Bravos; her grandchildren: Demetri (Megan) Filios, Michael (Jill) Mariani, Evanthia (Casey) Davis, Paolo Mariani, Angela (Jonathan) O’Connor, Christopher Hamamjy, and Thomas and Theodora Graham; and her seven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
A Trisagion (memorial) service will be held on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at 6pm and the Funeral service will be Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 10am, both at St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church, 920 W. March Lane, Stockton, CA.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church, Scholarship Fund, 920 W. March Lane, Stockton, CA 95207, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Stella’s family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to her wonderful caregivers and to Bristol Hospice.
TRISAGION
A trisagion will be held at 6:00pm on Wednesday, October 29th, 2025 at St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church, located at 920 W. March Ln, Stockton, CA 95207.
SERVICE
A service will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, October 30th, 2025 at St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church, located at 920 W. March Ln, Stockton, CA 95207.
Please leave your condolences below.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Graham family.