Obituary: Ismene (Izzy) Dukas, Fifth of Six Stamation Children

Obituary from Conway Cahill-Brodeur Home.

A beautiful person inside and out, Ismene (Izzy) Dukas devoted her life to her family. Until her last day January 9, 2015, Izzy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt. Wife of Kemon Dukas for 62 years. Mother of Melanie Dukas of Beverly, Thomas Dukas and his wife Cathy of Reading, Julie Dukas of Saugus, and Evangeline King and her husband Michael. “Yiayia” to Sam and Madison Dukas, and Athan and Jed King.

Izzy was born on February 26, 1929 to Nicholas and Evangeline Stamation, who emigrated to Peabody from Samos, Greece. Izzy is the fifth of six Stamation children — George, Irene, Lena, Mary, Ismene and Connie. George was killed in World War II, and the sisters each married and raised families in the North Shore area. As last of the Stamation sisters, Izzy loved all her sisters’ children as if they were her own. And they loved her. From her famous grapeleaves and pastitso, to her loving kindness and compassion, Izzy was everyone’s mom.

Next to her love for her family, Izzy had a passion for dancing. At the urging of her sister Mary, she tried out for the school play at Peabody High School and got a part as Carmen Miranda. As she sang, “I Yi Yi Yi“ and danced on stage with her tutti fruiti hat, she knew this was where she was meant to be. After she graduated from Peabody High School in 1947, she went on to learn ballroom dancing, Greek dancing and belly dancing. Izzy was inspired by her niece Charlene to teach and choreograph belly dancing in her late 40’s. Her charm, charisma, and grace made her a beautiful dancer and she loved to perform.

Arrangements

A visitation will be held on Tuesday at Conway Cahill-Brodeur Home, 82 Lynn Street, Peabody from 4-8 pm. Her funeral will be held Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Lynn.