Diana A Stathakis

Diana A. Stathakis, widow of Mike T. Stathakis, died April 25, 2015. Pre deceased by her son Tommy Stathakis. Diana was born July 23, 1923 in North Augusta, SC, the daughter of Arthur and Anna Athanason. She and her husband Mike moved to Greenwood, SC where they raised their family. They owned the Grill Café for many years where both worked in the business. Diana was also interested in fashion and worked at the Style Shop in Greenwood. She had a passion for clothes and especially shoes. Diana was one of 9 brothers and sisters and grew up in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Her love for Florida showed in her many vacations where she took her sons every year. She and her husband moved back to Tarpon Springs where Diana retired as branch manager at a local bank. After retiring she moved to Greenville where the whole family enjoyed each other. Diana enjoyed her association with St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral and was very dedicated to her faith. She enjoyed working with her many friends behind the scenes during the Greek Festival making Greek pastries. She was also active in GAS, a local Greek American Society of women who socially met often in each other’s homes for food and fun. Diana also liked to read and was particularly interested in the movie stars of the 1920’s. Her love of family was obvious and her thrill was to have all the family in her home and cook an ole fashioned Greek meal. During holidays she would often be seen taking pictures of the food she cooked and the expressions on her family’s faces as they smiled and laughed during meal times. She made sure her daughter-in-laws and sons knew how to cook to continue the tradition. At parties she was often the center of attention having a quick wit and loved telling jokes. Sometimes the jokes were a little embarrassing for those who didn’t know her. She loved to dance whether it was ballroom, shagging or Greek dancing. You could always see Diana having fun on the floor. While living in Greenwood a young boy living down the street once said, “Mrs. Stathakis is different from most of the ladies here, none of the others are as pretty as she.” And indeed she was a beautiful lady when she was young and until her later years. She was especially lovely from her heart. Many will forever remember her warm friendly smile and surely will not forget those feisty jokes. Diana spent her last years at Heartland Nursing Home where the staff took very good care of her. The family would like to thank them all as well as the wonderful staff at Hospice. Her family will miss her dearly but are grateful that she will be with her husband Mike and son Tommy; along with all of her past family and friends in heaven. She is survived by her sons George Stathakis and his wife Paula; and Frank Stathakis and his wife Sheila; grandchildren, Chris Stathakis; Michael Stathakis and his wife Lisa; Nick Stathakis and his wife Gretchen; Michael Stathakis and his wife Megan; and Neysa Stathakis Caron and her husband Todd; and great grandchildren, George Michael and Alexis Stathakis; Frankie and Brooklyn Stathakis; Elias and Lucas Stathakis; and Mason, Carter and Sawyer Caron. She is also survived by her brother Frank Athanason and his wife Vickie; a sister Virginia Theodorou; and many extended family members. Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 28, 2015 at 11:00am with the Trisagon Service recited at 11:30am at St. George Greek Cathedral; followed by a Funeral Service at 12:00 Noon with Father Tom Pistolis officiating. Entombment will follow in the Remembrance Mausoleum at Woodlawn Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to St. George Greek Cathedral, 406 N. Academy Street, Greenville, SC 29601.