WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH — Stamatoula “Toula” Saffo Vassilaros of Wrightsville Beach, NC and Baltimore, MD passed away peacefully on July 24, 2023 at the age of 91.
Born on November 20, 1931 to parents Vassilios (Bill) and Argiro Saffo, she is survived by children Elaine (Steele), Argiro, Betty and Leonidas Vassilaros, grandson Gregory Anthony Steele, brothers Doky (Des) and George Saffo, and their extended families. She is preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Tony Vassilaros.
Following her childhood in Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach, Toula met her husband on their ancestral island of Ikaria, Greece and married on October 11, 1954. Soon after, Toula and Tony settled in Baltimore where they raised their family, in addition to summers at the beach.
A legendary cook, Toula was also renowned for her hospitality and kindness. She always wanted people to feel welcome in her home and never wanted you to leave hungry. Toula will also be remembered for her fondness of slot machines, music, scary movies, and sweets. Following in the footsteps of her mother, Toula was a loving matriarch, wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt to her large Greek family. They wish to thank the medical care provided by many over the years, including Dr. Peter Manolukas.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and Lower Cape Fear LifeCare in Wilmington, NC.
