Stoneham's Yiayia Giakoumidis Passes Away

An obituary from the Barile Family Funeral Home:

Elissavet (Feizidis) Giakoumidis, 82, beloved wife of Elias Giakoumidis of Stoneham, entered into eternal rest with her devoted family beside her, after a two and a half year long and courageous battle with endometrial cancer. She was born on May 11, 1936 in Novorossiysk, Russia.

A daughter of the late Efstathios and Hariklia Feizidis, she immigrated to Greece in 1940 during World War II, along with her family. Many years later in 1962 she made her way to the United States intent on realizing the American dream, ultimately making her home in Boston, Ma. There she was introduced to her husband, Elias Giakoumidis, and they shared 49 years of marriage. Together they raised their family in Stoneham.

Elissavet went by several names in her lifetime but was most fondly and proudly known as "Yiayia."

She was an active member of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church in Woburn. Elissavet was a boundless source of energy, a generous spirit, a fierce advocate for her loved ones, and a true Matriarch.

She worked for many years as a hairstylist only recently "retiring" due to her illness. Her true legacy was in raising her four children and grandchildren who lovingly called her "Yiayia." She touched many lives through her generosity shown by her love of cooking, baking and sharing of her Greek pastries. She became an avid self-taught knitter and spent countless hours making beautiful blankets for each of her children, grandchildren and most cherished nieces and nephews.

She is survived by her husband; Elias, her children Konstantina Nanos (Christopher T.), Hariklia Speros (Thomas) and Nikolaos Giakoumidis (Lauren), whom she dearly adored. Loving Yiayia of Nicholas, Eleni, George, Theodore, Elias, Dimitri, Elissavet and newborn George. Dearest sister of Steve Feizidis, George Feizidis (Maria). She had many adoring nieces and nephews, close friends, and numerous relatives in Greece. She was predeceased by her most beloved son George, her sister Sonia Stasinopoulos and her sister in law Chris Feizidis.

She passed as she lived, surrounded by family as the center of their world. She will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.

Funeral from the Barile Family Funeral Home, 482 Main St. (RT 28) Stoneham, Saturday, March 30th at 8:45 am followed by a Funeral Service in the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, 70 Montvale Ave. Woburn at 10 am.

Family and friends are cordially invited to gather and share memories with the Family on Friday, March 29th from 4-8 pm in the Funeral Home. Parking attendants and elevator available. Interment Woodbrook Cemetery, Woburn.

Donations in Liza's memory may be made to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, 70 Montvale Ave. Woburn, MA 01801.