Sophia Fotopoulos Ph.D.

Sophia (Stathopoulos) Fotopoulos, 72, of Overland Park, KS, passed away on January 28, 2009. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 31, at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 12001 Wornall Road. Visitation will be held at Mt. Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, from 6:00-8:00 p.m., with a Trisagion service at 7:00 p.m. Sophia was born on November 6, 1936, in Kansas City, MO, to the late Marinos and Stavroula Stathopoulos. She was a graduate of Paseo High School and the University of Kansas where she received her B.A., M.S. and PhD degree in behavioral sciences and psychophysiology. She had an extensive career in research and development at Midwest Research Institute, American University (Washington, D.C.) and Clinical Reference Laboratory. During her career she served as an Adjunct Professor at the UMKC and KU Schools of Medicine and was the recipient of the Creative Scientist Award of the American Institute of Research in 1971. As a pioneer she helped name "biofeedback" and influenced worldwide experimental and therapeutic advancement, including treatments for cancer pain, anorexia and nausea. She was a member of Sigma Xi, Am. Psychological Society, Biofeedback Society, Zonta International, and the Annunciation Ladies Philoptochos Society. She was an avid sports fan and loved the Chiefs and Jayhawks. Sophia is survived by her brothers George (Chris), Frank (Sharon), and John (Vinita) Stathopoulos; nephews Michael and Johnny (Angie) Stathopoulos; niece Staci (Bill) Elliott; six great-nieces and nephews; and longtime friend Florence Metz, PhD. The family wishes to extend their thanks to the staff of Villa St. Francis and Catholic Community Hospice for their kindness and support. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Annunciation Ladies Philoptochos Society. (Arr: Mt. Moriah & Freeman, 816-942-2004)