Tamara Stepankoswski

STEPANKOWSKI - Tamara Of Derby, NY, entered suddenly into rest August 11, 2015, beloved wife of the late Walter Stepankowski, survived by Diana Stepankowski and Victor (Tami) Stepankowski. Born in China in 1933, her mother, a nurse, her father, an Honor Guard, Military Officer for the Czar of Russia (and later Admin Clerk). Her parents fled from Russia to China during the Bolshevik War in order to escape communism. They travelled "on foot" from St. Petersburg across Siberia during the winter finally reaching Tientsin, China near Peking, where a Russian colony was established and during the ravishes of war, her father's determination managed to survive two firing squads and when illness made his wife too weak to walk, he picked her up and carried her in his arms until they reached China. Born in Tientsin, Tamara was raised and lived there for 14 years until communist China took over this colony causing them to leave on a slow boat destined for Argentina. There, Tamara married Walter, the love of her life and inseparable soulmate for 44 years, where they had two children, Diana and Victor. Wanting to give a better life for their children, they left everything to come to America. Once here, she continued her career as a gifted beautician by owning and operating Tamara's Beauty Salon in Derby for 31 years. Being fluent in nine languages and having a sincere love of people, created a place of fun, laughter, endless interesting conversation, lifelong friendships and great hair. She will always be cherished for showing how to live life as a celebration and proudly extending lighthearted kindness to others and legendary bear hugs. Tamara and Walter both fulfilled a mutual longing for spiritual understanding and truth that was shared to us and will forever be regarded as a treasure. Her devotion and love transcended and embraced everyone in this entire family and we thank her for such unconditional love. While we are at the verge of tears on her passing, she would have us break into smiles and instead just go out and do something kind for a dear friend today.