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Stella Viets Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Dec. 4, 2024.

Stella Viets (née Durkin), 86, of Sonora, CA, passed away peacefully on Oct. 16, 2024. Born in Corby, Northamptonshire, England, Stella was the cherished daughter of the late John and Muriel Durkin. She is survived by her devoted husband of 66 years, Brian Viets, and their loving family: children Tracey Olson (Alan), Brian Viets Jr (Sharon) and Scott Viets (Jerry), 5 grandchildren, Brittany, Kaylie, Courtney, Sean, Carleigh, and 6 great grandchildren. She also leaves behind her brother Tony Durkin (Colette), and 3 nieces, Katy, Lucy and Amy along with their families.

Stella's life was marked by her adventurous spirit and dedication to family. She met her beloved Brian while working at an Air Force Base in England, and together they embraced a life of travel, residing at military bases in Arizona, California, Florida, and RAF Lakenheath England, before settling in El Cajon, California.

Professionally, Stella was a vibrant presence in the world of sports, working for the San Diego Padres and serving as the Team Receptionist for the San Diego Chargers for 15 years. Her tenure spanned the thrilling Air Coryell era through the mid-1990's, during which she formed lasting friendships with players, coaches, and staff.

A proud breast cancer survivor, Stella was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and "Gigi," who took immense pride in her family's achievements. Her love for live theater was profound, and she wished for donations in her memory to support Sierra Repertory Theatre and their Children's Educational Programs in Sonora. Donations can be made at

https://bit.ly/stellavietsdonate

Stella will be fondly remembered for her wonderful sense of humor, the twinkle in her beautiful eyes, and her love of great music, including The Mamas & the Papas, Glen Campbell and the Eagles.

A private family ceremony was held in Sonora.

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Recent Activity

December 31, 2024

Brian viets jr posted to the memorial.

December 17, 2024

Nancy Lynam posted to the memorial.

December 4, 2024

Legacy Remembers posted an obituary.

2 Entries

Brian viets jr

December 31, 2024

As 2024 ends, I remember New Years Eve past when us children would get the pots and pans out of the kitchen cupboards and beat on them with long handled spoons and ladles like drums or smashed the lids together like cymbals to ring in our new years. Now, memories are fickle but I seem to recall doing this into my high school years. Dad was in the military so my recollection spans from coast to coast (california, florida, then crosses the pond to "Lincoln-heath" ultimately returning to SoCal). Mom happily (or at least resignedly) allowed our family "tradition" to proceed without complaint. I love you mom, I miss you but believe you're sitting in the kitchen at Westfield's road sipping on a nice cuppa with your mom and dad. Love, little brian