Theodora "Dora" (Stamos) Daskalopoulos

Dora (Theodora) Daskalopoulos, age 86, passed peacefully surrounded by her loving family on December 15th, 2020.  Dora was born in the small village of Profilia on the Island of Rhodes, Greece on February 1, 1934 to Michalis and Anna Stamatiadis.  She was the eldest of five children.  At the age of 13, Dora’s father passed away leaving his wife and children during the hardships of World War II.   As a result, Dora became responsible for the upbringing of her younger siblings, in addition to, working long hours in the fields to provide for her family.  In 1955, her uncle and aunt, Theodore and Anna Stamos who resided in Arco, Idaho, adopted Dora and her youngest sibling, Manuel, in hopes of bettering their lives.  Dora began employment at her uncle’s restaurant, The Golden West Café, and had to adjust to the American way of life.  Many times, she would jokingly say, “Arco, Idaho can’t be the America I dreamed of!”  Dora met her husband to be, Taso Daskalopoulos, through an arranged marriage.  After only knowing one another for two weeks, they were married in Athens, Greece on January 14, 1962.  They returned to the United States shortly after marriage, and settled in Boise, Idaho.  Dora raised her two daughers, Lisa and Frances, and also worked in various restaurants, and later on in life, in her husband’s tailor shop.    In 1998, Dora and Taso retired to Florida to be close to their daughter’s and their families. 

To know Dora was to love her.  She was full of life, enthusiasm, and overflowing with love for her family and friends.  Dora never met a stranger.  She had a heart of gold and would help anyone in need.  She was the true definition of the Greek word “Philotimo” which represents open-arms, hospitality, and authentic giving to people.  Dora’s house was open to all and one could never leave without having one of her delicious Greek specialties.  Her incredible cooking skills allowed her to head many of the Greek Food Festivals which she looked forward to every year.  Dora was always the life of the party, loving to dance, whether it be the jitter bug or Zorba the Greek!  Her zest and love for life was contagious.  One couldn’t help smiling and laughing with her.

Dora loved spending time with her grandchildren, Taso, Andrea, Zach and Jake.  She was always playful and spirited.  They were the center of her life.  She cooked special meals for them, willingly picked them up from school, attended all their school functions, and would even play the harmonica which she had no business doing, but made everyone laugh hysterically!  She was truly a hands on Yiayia.   

Dora was active in Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, Boise, Idaho and St. Mark’s Greek Orthodox Church, Boca Raton, FL.  She was active in the Philoptochos and Daugher’s of Penelope.  Dora loved her church and attended regularly until her illness prevented her from doing so.  She had a strong faith in God, always looking to Him for guidance and strength. 

Dora is survived by her daughters, Lisa (Ronell Peters), Frances (Alan Goodstat), and four adoring grandchildren, Taso and Andrea, Zachary and Jake, and great granddaughter, Jillian.  Brother, Manuel Stamos.  She is also survived by her nieces, Irene Goodwin, Annamaria Stamos, Lia Marangeli and Efi Daskalopoulos, and nephew, Chris Stamos.  Sister in law, Georgia Daskalopoulos.  She was predeceased by her loving husband, Taso, her parents and her siblings, Steve Stamos, Pete Stamos, and sister, Fotini Sfidonio. 

A special thank you to her devoted caregivers, Stephanie and Marta, and to all the supportive and wonderful Vitas Hospice Staff. 

Due to COVID 19, a private Graveside Service will take place in Boise, Idaho.  A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to be made to Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, (in support of her grandson, Jake) 21301 S. Powerline Road, Suite 301, Boca Raton, FL. 33433 and to St. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 2618 W. Bannock St.,  Boise, Idaho 83702.

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