Eftihia Fournelis

Born in the middle of World War II, the oldest of three siblings, she began life in hardship—raised without a father from the age of two, and growing up amid civil war, rockets overhead, and the starvation that gripped Greece.

Yet from those difficult beginnings emerged a strong, beautiful young woman.

At 21, she married a young stranger from another village—our dad, Nikolas. What began as a leap of faith turned into a lifelong love and partnership. Together they brought four children into the world—two boys and two girls—and devoted themselves entirely to building a better life for their family.

Their hard work, courage, and determination eventually brought all of us to the United States about forty years ago. Here, her life continued to flourish. She enjoyed moments of joy, pride, and celebration—especially witnessing the births of seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

But life, as she knew too well, was not always filled with roses. She endured deep heartbreak—first losing our father, and later enduring the unimaginable pain of losing her beloved older son, our brother Christo. Yet even through the darkest moments, she never gave up. Her strength never wavered.

To us, and to everyone who knew her, she was the matriarch of our family—the pillar who held us together. She was the one who always put her family first, no matter the cost. A devoted woman, wife, mother, relative, and friend. Someone who left a lasting impression on everyone she met, remembered for her warm smile, wise words, and her uniquely personal, heartfelt way of connecting with people.

This was our mom. Our Yiayia. Our family’s foundation.

Our Eftihia—her name meaning Happiness—a name she carried with grace, and a gift she gave to all of us.

May her memory be eternal.