Luiza A. Stoianof

Luiza A. Stoianof, passed away surrounded by family on February 26, 2025, at the age of 91. Born on September 24, 1933, in Brazil, Luiza known fondly as Mãe, Grammy, Gramuda, or Lulu, graced the lives of many with her bold resilience, quick wit, and, at times, colorful language.

Luiza and her beloved husband, Constantine, made their way to the United States with kids in tow, where they built a life filled with hard work, laughter, most likely, speeding tickets. As an entrepreneur they owned and operated The Royal Motel in Daytona Beach, Florida, a construction and a cleaning business, and never backed down from a challenge.

Luiza was predeceased by her husband, Constantine Stoianof, who no doubt greeted her at heaven’s gates with a raised eyebrow and a sigh of, “When are we eating?” She leaves behind a lively, ever-growing family, including her daughters Margaret Robinson (Terry), Zulmira McDowell, Rejane Lange (Joe), and Elena Lee Mills-Cayll (Scott); her sons Marco Alexandre (Patricia) and Valdir "Tony" Stoianof; and a small village of grandkids, great-grandkids, and great-great grandkids.

Luiza had many passions—gardening, cooking, baking, and fishing. Her legendary bread, malassadas, and infamous fish eyeball soup (which terrified more than it delighted) were proof of that. She was never without a bag packed for an adventure, a pillow in tow, and a mischievous twinkle in her eye. And if she ever bit your ear, congratulations—you were officially one of her favorites.

She spent her later years in the devoted company of her loving children and her second love – Buddy the chihuahua. Luiza’s legacy is one of grit, laughter, food, and love. She may be gone, but her stories will live on—and if you close your eyes and listen closely, you can hear her laughing loudly in her iconic Captain & Tennille hat.

Rest easy, Mãe, Grammy, Gramuda, and Lulu. Heaven just got a whole lot more interesting. We love you.