Athena "Chrisoula" Dafingas

Athena "Chrisoula" Dafingas

November 4, 1926-August 24, 2024

Athena "Chrisoula" Dafingas, 97, passed away peacefully at home after a long and fulfilling life.

She was born on November 4, 1926, in Detroit. As a young child, her parents took her, her brother, Costas, and sister, Katerina back to their home in Crete Greece during the Great Depression. While trying to avoid a dire situation in America, they, instead, were subjected to Nazi occupation in Crete. They witnessed and lived through the horrors of that time period. Chrisoula, (as she is known by her baptismal name) came back to Detroit in 1959 and stayed with her aunt, Argero, and her brother Costas who had served honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War. Her sister, Katerina, married, and remained in Crete. Chrisoula married Michael Dafingas, of Thessaloniki, Greece, in 1961 at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, and they had two daughters.

Her family has always been the top focus. She always took great care of everyone, cooking delicious meals, learning English to better help everyone, and through the encouragement of her husband, she learned to drive. Since most women of that era did not know how to drive, she was known to go and pick up other Greek children along with her two daughters to take them to Greek School and Sunday School. She also took pride hosting numerous parties and visiting relatives from Greece and Australia.

Chrisoula was proud to be a decades-long member of the Assumption Church Choir and participating in some MEFGOX choir conventions. Assumption was one of the centers of her life and she instilled the same love of faith to her family. In recent years, during the pandemic in particular, and when she physically couldn't attend, Chrisoula would be "in church" online every Sunday and every Divine Liturgy chanting along!

In addition to the choir, Chrisoula was also a member of the Cretan Ladies Society of Detroit and participated and assisted in many of their dances and fundraisers. She was also proud to be a member of her husband's group, the Pan Macedonian Association where she also volunteered to assist in the organization's events and conventions.

She enjoyed traveling and seeing new places with her husband, Michael for many years before he passed away in 2009. They enjoyed 48 beautiful years together. Both loved to visit and learn about other parts of the world. Some of the places they visited included the Holy Lands, Russia, Australia, Hawaii, Panama Canal, many parts of the Caribbean, and of course, Greece.

Her humor and laughter is unforgettable. She was one that everyone seemed to be drawn to. Her generosity went far beyond her own family, as she stepped up to help others in need. The examples are far too many and can take a lengthy book to write, but one in particular is phenomenal. Chrisoula assisted a new family friend who was recently widowed. The woman was also from Crete. She did not have children. She did not speak English. She was illiterate. Due to an old childhood injury, she had a painful limp when she walked. Since she didn't have any family here, Chrisoula and family offered to take her to an orthopedic doctor for evaluation. She needed surgery or she would lose her leg. How can she rehabilitate after that surgery when she has nobody to care for her? Chrisoula stepped up and offered her home. She took care of her for several weeks until she fully recovered and was able to walk without pain and a limp. This is what Chrisoula Dafingas was about. A very kind, loving, respectful, faithful soul that would never refuse to offer a helping hand to those in need. She has been an exceptional example and role model to her family.

She is survived by her daughters, Anastasia (Christ) Pitses, and Roula (Tony) Lipinski; her grandchildren, Eleni and Chrisoula Pitses; Michael and Nicholas Lipinski. Predeceased by beloved husband, Michael; sister, Katerina; brother, Costas, and grandson, Alexander.

Our hearts are heavy, yet full, in knowing that you are now in Heaven. Kalo Paradiso to a mother, grandmother, and the strongest woman we've ever known. We were lucky to have had her, our unyielding matriarch, on this Earth for nearly a century. Those who were lucky enough to have her in their lives knew not to let her short stature fool them. She was mighty! Her family was her pride and joy, and nothing got in the way of her love for us. We will continue to feel her love for the rest of our lives. Agape from a Greek Yiayia and Mother never fades, and we carry it with us with pride. Our golden Chrisoula - may her memory be eternal.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Chrisoula's name to:

Assumption Greek Orthodox Church

21800 Marter Road

St. Clair Shores, MI 48080

or

Alexander's Quest for a Cure

P.O. Box 630

Roseville, MI 48066-0630

In State:

Assumption Greek Orthodox Church

21800 Marter Road

St. Clair Shores, MI 48080

Wednesday, August 28, 2024

9:00 am-11:00 am

Funeral Service to follow at:

11:00 am