Star Asimakoupoulos

Star Birkeland Asimakoupoulos died at Fieldstone Memory Care in Wenatchee, WA, on July 11, 2019, following a stroke and complications of dementia. Her two sons were at her side. Star was born on January 22, 1927, at the family home, in Bremerton, WA, to Gunder and Olga Birkeland. Being born on Pleasant Ave. was most appropriate for one who would be a source of joy to all who knew her, especially her older brother and sister. Moving with her family to Seattle, WA, in the early 30's, Star graduated from Queen Anne High School in 1943. She distinguished herself as a gifted musician, singing and performing with the Seattle Youth for Christ "String and Vocal Ensemble." She attended Central Bible Institute in Springfield, MO, before transferring to Northwest Bible Institute (now Northwest University), where she received her degree in 1947. Star married Edwin Smith, a minister from Lapwai, ID, on January 23, 1951. Together, they served congregations in Moscow, ID, Hillsboro, OR, and Marysville, WA. The couple had two sons: Gregory Edwin born in 1952, and Marc Birkeland born in 1954. The family moved to Wenatchee, in 1964, and Star and Edwin became owner/managers of Modern Homes Vista rental properties. In 1969, the family changed their name from Smith to Asimakoupoulos preserving their Greek heritage (reversing what Edwin's immigrant father had done when the elder Asimakoupoulos became a naturalized U. S. citizen). In addition to co-managing the Wenatchee rental units, Star was instrumental in starting the local chapter of Christian Women's Club and spoke at CWC chapters throughout the Northwest. She performed with the Wenatchee Community Music Theater and was on the board of the YWCA and Sons of Norway. Following her husband's death in 2008, she moved into Columbia Heights Retirement Community, where she led a nightly sing-a-long. This devoted mother, and grandmother, was also a gourmet cook and creative seamstress. Her penchant for interior design resulted in her home being featured in the Wenatchee Street of Dreams. Her love of joke-telling triggered many a laugh (or groan) among those she'd meet at church or in a restaurant. Her commitment to her Lord and Savior defined her life. Gratefully, Her love of playing piano and singing hymns was not impacted by a dreaded disease that robbed her of her memory in recent years. She remained a "people person" and a proud Norwegian to the end. Star was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin; her parents, Gunder and Olga Birkeland; her brother, Benny Birkeland; and her sister, Laura Dickson. She is survived by her two sons: Greg (Wendy) Asimakoupoulos, Marc (Sandy) Asimakoupoulos; five grandchildren: Kristin Asimakoupoulos, Allison (Tim) Anderson, Nicole (Brad) Moore, Lauren Asimakoupoulos, and Matthew Asimakoupoulos; and three great-grandchildren: Imogen, Riley and Ivy. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2019, at 1:00 p.m., at the Sage Hills Church, 1601 Fifth St., Wenatchee, WA. A private interment will precede at the Wenatchee City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Star Birkeland Asimakoupoulos Music Scholarship at Northwest University. Arrangements are by Chapel of the Valley, Wenatchee, WA.

Star Asimakoupoulos

January 22, 1927 - July 11, 2019