Lydia Stefanov Demko

Lydia Stefanov Demko, 91, of Houston passed away peacefully from natural causes on December 24, 2025. Lydia was born on August 31, 1934, in Czechoslovakia to Vladimir and Margaret Stefanov. She is preceded in death by her husband Vladimir of 57 years of marriage and is survived by her son Michael and daughter Ellen, grandchildren Allysa, Mikala, Lindsey, and Cassie.

Lydia, known by all for having a smile and saying good morning and asking how you are doing. Never a bad thought and always wanting to help.

Lydia went through the horrors of World War II during the ages of 5 through 11. Ended up in a refugee camp with her parents in Passau Germany from 1945 to 1952 where she learned numerous languages. Emigrated to America with her parents in 1952 and settled in Morristown, NJ where she excelled and graduated from Morristown High School. For 1 year Lydia went to Misericordia College in PA and then transferred to Georgetown University School of Foreign Services, Institute of Languages and Linguistics where she graduated with honors.

Lydia worked at US customs and United Nations where she worked as a translator. She left government services to start a family and business with her husband Vladimir. After selling the business, Lydia got called back to government service and worked with the FBI at the New York office from January 1992 to September 2002; then transferred to the Houston FBI office and worked as an employee till 2017 at the age of 83 serving her country that she so loved. She was ultimately called back again to work on a contractual basis till 2020.

Lydia worked as a translator and provided analysis of her translations for the White House and numerous high officials at the FBI. For these translations, Lydia received many commendations.

Lydia so loved her adopted country that she served her country working for the FBI till 86 years old.

The Demko family will be present to receive friends for viewing and visitation Friday January 9, 2026, at 10:00 AM, Rosary will begin at 10:30 AM, with Mass of Christian Burial following at 11:00AM at St. Jerome Catholic Church. 8825 Kempwood Dr. Houston, TX 77080. Reception will immediately follow on church grounds. Guests are invited to attend burial following reception at 2:00PM at Woodlawn Funeral Home and Cemetery 1101 Antoine Dr. Houston, TX 77055. In lieu of flowers please consider a charitable donation to St Jerome Catholic School to help meet the needs of the students and their families that Lydia considered very important. https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/GGViSA?vid=1o23lg