Janet Elaine Shamia (nee Stipe) fell asleep in the Lord on Thursday, March 25, 2021 in St. Louis, Missouri. She was the beloved wife of Constantin (Gus) Shamia for more than 53 years and loving mother of her two children, Candice (John) Hoffman and Michael (Meighan) Shamia. She adored her five grandchildren, Michael (16), Thomas (13) and Ryan (13) Shamia and Libby (11) and Jack (6) Hoffman. She is survived by her older sister, Susan Austin of Mesa, Arizona. She was a dear cousin, aunt, and friend to many.
Janet was born on August 9, 1945 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Edgar R. and Waneta L. Stipe. Janet met Gus at the Chase Park Plaza coffee shop on Saint Patrick’s Day when visiting St. Louis for a friend’s wedding. After a brief courtship, they married on August 5, 1967. Janet and Gus made many wonderful memories together. They loved to travel and spend time with friends and family. Janet and Gus were faithful members of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. Janet loved doting over her grandchildren, playing bridge and canasta, needlepointing, and enjoying many special celebrations with her wonderful groups of friends. She was known by many for her delicious chocolate pie and cookies and for always being there to help a friend or loved one.
Janet volunteered at school when her two children were young and later started working at the local elementary school. She spent more than 30 years in the Lindbergh School District, most recently at Sperreng Middle School. In 1990, she received the Lindbergh Leaders Award, the district’s highest honor recognizing excellence in leadership and service.
Funeral Service will be held at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church on Friday, April 2, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. Visitation will be held at Kutis Funeral Home, Affton Chapel, on Thursday, April 1, 2021 from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. (with Trisagion service at 7:00 PM.)
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 4967 Forest Park Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63108 or the Lindbergh Schools Foundation, 9350 Sappington Road, St. Louis, MO 63126.
It’s hard to write down how sad we are that Janet passed away – that you’ve lost your loved one. We offer our sympathy. We offer our love. We only hope that as time passes wonderful memories will help ease your sorrow. Blessings to the family.
We were saddened to learn of the passing of our dear friend, Janet. Our memories of the good times we had over the years will never leave us. We take comfort in knowing that she is at peace and is with our Lord.
Gus and family, we are so sad of Janet’s passing and the loss of such a beautiful and loving person. Wonderful memories will give you strength at this time and always. Our sympathy and prayers are with all of you.
Our deepest sympathy to the family. Janet was a lovely and caring person as well as a dear friend. She will be missed by all who knew her. Our thoughts and prayers to Gus and family at this sad time.