LOUISBURG, NC -- Stephanie Goslen (née Pediaditakis), 65, of Louisburg, NC, passed away on April 15, 2024, at Duke Hospital, surrounded by love from her family. She was a loving wife, mother, sister, teacher, and political activist.
Stephanie, daughter of Dr. Nicholas Pediaditakis and interior designer Victoria Vallas Pediaditakis, was born February 12, 1959, in Denver, Colorado, and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina. Stephanie attended high school at St. Catherine's in Richmond, Virginia, and graduated from UNC Chapel Hill.
Stephanie always lived life to the fullest, wearing many hats (both figuratively and literally). She had many passions which included teaching, traveling, community organizing, entertaining, mentoring, and farming. She lived a life of adventure, service, and storytelling.
Stephanie was known to captivate a room and did so professionally for 30 years as a science teacher, working primarily with middle and high schoolers. She loved to teach and was a favorite among many of her students for her interactive, engaging, and enthusiastic style.
Her warmth and enthusiasm made her a wonderful mom. Stephanie lived in Durham with her first husband, Barry Eriksen where she had her children, Zoë Eriksen, Maya Eriksen, and Xena Eriksen, born in 1991, 1992, and 1994, respectively. She returned to Raleigh to raise her children in the same neighborhood where she grew up. Jesse Goslen, whom she wed in 2009 after years of friendship, was a welcome addition to her family.
Stephanie inherited her mother's gift for curating a comfortable environment. Her house became a second home for her nieces and nephew, as well as many of her children's friends, including the Wehbies, who have been longtime family friends. She was particularly close with Lara Wehbie.
Continuing her family's rich tradition of political activism, Stephanie was deeply involved in the Democratic Party and many progressive causes. It was through political organizing on grassroots movements that she met her soulmate, Jesse Goslen.
Following her retirement, Stephanie and Jesse moved to Louisburg to build a small farm and framing shop, where there was never a dull moment. Stephanie took on many creative projects, and could often be found crocheting, scrapbooking, playing board games, or preparing for a party. She loved showing off their thriving beehives, garden, chicken coop, and pecan grove.
Stephanie loved to travel everywhere, but especially to Greece, where she will make her final journey. Her final resting place will be in Karystos, where she made many cherished memories at the family villa throughout her life.
Stephanie is preceded in death by her mother, Vicki Vallas Pediaditakis.
Stephanie is survived by her husband, Jesse Goslen; her children, Zoë Eriksen, Maya Eriksen, and Xena Eriksen; her father, Nicholas Pediaditakis; and her siblings, Nicole Pediaditakis and Peter (Beth) Pediaditakis.
Stephanie's memorial service will be Tuesday, May 7, 2024, from 7 - 9 p.m., at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 5000 Leadmine Rd., Raleigh, NC 27612. Stephanie's life will be celebrated on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at the Goslen residence at 656 Sledge Rd, Louisburg, NC 27549.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate you sharing any photos or stories you have of Stephanie.
Stephanie will be fondly remembered for her dedication to education, service to her community, and unwavering love for her family. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
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