Stella Avras

Many things can be said about Stella Avras. Known to friends and acquaintances as a friendly, energetic, empathic and decisive woman, her compassionate nature would always shine through, revealing her charm and warm demeanor. She was warmhearted, gentle and organized in all the things she sought to accomplish. Stella was a mentor, a natural “teacher” capable of seeing things clearly, leading others and bringing out the best in all of those around her. She generally had a focus on harmony and peace.

Stella's parents are Igor and Dora Avras. She was raised in Florida, California and finally Nevada. When she was young, Stella's friends and family found that “straightforward” and “honest” were perfect words to describe her. Even as a child, Stella demonstrated strong qualities of self-confidence, perceptive ability and a disposition that was enjoyable to those around her. Stella grew up with one brother, Alex. Stella carried these traits into her adult life and served as one of many reasons why family and friends found her pleasurable and delightful to be around. Stella was a person who genuinely understood and cared for others, making powerful connections with those she knew.

As a young girl, Stella was imaginative, ingenious, clever and a “novel” thinker. Regardless of whether her peers were older or younger, or came from different backgrounds, Stella was always accepting of others. She was an active child who took part in karate. In her spare time she liked to draw and dance. However, to Stella, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with her friends.

During her high school years, Stella had a natural flair for cheering on and applauding just about everyone. She graduated from Durango High School in 1996. She did not enjoy school like some others, but had a way of telling stories and talking that drew people to her. In this way, Stella had a talent for becoming the center of attention, a kind of social catalyst. Stella was often found to be the lead person facilitating a group activity, frequently filling the role of being “the life of the party.” Teachers and classmates knew Stella as an excellent listener. She placed a high value on learning and always understood that there was a new lesson to be grasped waiting for her just around the corner.

Always considered a “good” friend, Stella sought to understand the things that others enjoyed. For this reason Stella always seemed to possess a never-ending collection of acquaintances. Stella’s friends found her easy to know and get along with because of her talent for being socially at ease, adept at conversation, and always amiable in her dealings with others. Stella would always seek to learn what her friends enjoyed, and she would go out of her way to make sure that their needs were met. Stella was always seen as the type of person who was the more gracious giver. In fact, she sometimes felt ill at ease when she was the one on the receiving end. Throughout her life she had many friends. While growing up, her best friends were too many to mention, but included Katerina, Chris, Kristie and Candace. Later in life, she became friends with Ronda, Danielle and Desiree.

Stella experienced success in her work life over and over again. Her primary occupation was as a manicurist. She was employed for 17 years with various Las Vegas salons including Amped at The Palms and A Wild Hair. Stella always made the effort to understand what was needed at work, and was well known by her colleagues as a team player. Stella took pride in managing her professional responsibilities and seemed to always know what was necessary to successfully complete a project. Stella was one to take the initiative and her skills at working cooperatively were highly valued. Stella continually sought to learn what her co-workers did well and how they were most effective, a talent that enabled her to help them develop their own potential.

Because she was organized and methodical, Stella took great pleasure in her various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were riding motorcycles, collecting Betty Boop memorabilia, elephants and Dia De Le Mureta. Stella enjoyed sharing her passions with others but couldn't singularly focus on one hobby at a time.

Stella was well known to others for her ability to naturally and conscientiously move into action to help others, a quality that placed her as an active contributor to many community activities. Charismatic by nature, she was always viewed by others as someone who built bridges, connected to people, and upheld her personal values. She was very active in "Carol Reynolds Vision Network" and spent a lot of her time helping others, especially animals.

Stella’s faith was important to her. She was a member of Canyon Ridge Christian Church for over ten years. She was compassionate and warm hearted, someone who truly cared for others and that was clearly demonstrated in her work serving her God.

Stella enjoyed traveling, and because she was so well organized, she would take on the responsibility of planning and scheduling all of the family vacations. Her gift for keeping things lively meant that vacations with Stella were always enjoyable. Favorite vacations included Mexico and San Diego.

Stella was a lover of all animals, often accepting strays in her home and cherished her pets. One of Stella's favorite was Bunny the Cat. They were best friends for more than 15 years. Her family was rounded out by her three dogs: Dolly, Mac and Pinkie and one cat: Frankie, and several others in the past.

Stella was taken from us way too soon at the hands of another. She passed away on June 23, 2017 at Mountains Edge Hospital in Las Vegas. She is survived by her parents, Dora and Igor Avras and her brother, Alex (Jessica) Avras. Services were held at Palm Northwest Mortuary. Stella was laid to rest in Palm Northwest Cemetery.

Throughout her life, Stella was a gregarious and enthusiastic woman. She was generous in sharing her personal attributes, giving and helping those she knew and loved. She would often fill the role of coach, bringing out the best in everyone and encouraging them to be who they are and love themselves. She was imaginative, original, tender hearted and easy to get along with. Stella leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and cherished memories. Everyone whose lives she touched will dearly remember Stella Avras.