Stella Shao

Stella Shao (Lou-Ying) was born February 6, 1938, in Shanghai, China. She passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026, at the age of 88, in Tacoma, Washington, surrounded by the love of her family.

Stella was the fourth of William and Lillian Shao’s seven children. She held deep, enduring bonds with her siblings; Eugene, Betty, Jane, Suzie, Lonnie, and Connie—bonds that provided strength throughout her life.

In 1949, amid the Chinese Civil War, Stella’s family fled Shanghai with only what they could carry, seeking safety and fresh beginnings in California. Stella attended San Domenico High School (formerly the Dominican Convent), where her Catholic faith took root and became a guiding force throughout her life. She went on to attend the University of California, Berkeley and California State University, Hayward, earning a bachelor’s degree in social work and a master’s degree in counseling psychology. Stella met the love of her life, Fred Juul, while attending Cal State Hayward.

Stella was a savvy real estate investor with an innate eye for business. Inspired by her father's business acumen and her own entrepreneurial spirit, she built both financial success and lasting stability for her family. Real estate was one of Stella's lifelong passions. Even in her later years, she could often be found looking at neighborhood listings and evaluating new opportunities.

Stella’s professional life reflected a deep commitment to service—her career encompassed nonprofit and philanthropic sectors, focusing on foundation and corporate giving. She dedicated herself to causes that strengthened communities and supported those in need.

Stella’s remarkable energy, vision, and background allowed her to serve on numerous boards, remain actively involved in her church, and play a meaningful role in community building. Among her proudest accomplishments was being a founding member of Sausalito Village, an organization devoted to helping older adults maintain independence. Her work created a lasting sense of belonging and dignity for many, and Sausalito Village continues to thrive.

Stella welcomed all and brought people together—her home was a place of warmth, laughter, and abundance, where no one left hungry or unseen. Her cooking was delicious, spanned the globe, and every meal was a feast. Stella moved through the world with confidence, generosity, joy, and passion. She uplifted those around her with creativity, fearlessness, style, charisma, and a full embrace of life.

She loved traveling, music, reading, her friendships, and her cherished home and community in Sausalito, but above all, she treasured her family. She was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Stella took immense pride in her family and found deep joy in nurturing close, lasting relationships across generations. She had a special way of ensuring each person felt heard, celebrated, respected, and deeply loved.

At age 70, Stella was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. True to her strong-willed and determined nature, she faced her diagnosis with resilience, grace, and courage, refusing to let a condition define her. An inspiration to all, Stella lived fully and meaningfully for many years beyond her diagnosis.

In 2021, Stella and Fred relocated to Tacoma, Washington. There, she spent her final years at GenCare Lifestyle, supported by the unwavering love and care of her daughter, Mimi, who remained by her side through the end of her life. Just weeks after Stella's passing, Fred also passed away.

Stella is survived by daughters, Mimi Tucci (Mike Tucci), Denise Bass (Om Dixon); granddaughters, Sarah Babcock (Peter Forsyth), Coco Dixon; great-granddaughter, Rosie Forsyth; stepson, Domlin Juul (April Juul); siblings, Betty Dao (Tom Dao), Jane Sung, Suzie Shao, Connie Shao; sister-in-law, Lena Shao; beloved nieces, nephews, and their children.

Stella’s life was defined by love, courage, tenacity, connection, and generosity. Her greatest joy was always to be surrounded by family. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched, nurtured, and inspired.