Elaine Harris Efstathiou

Elaine was born in Cambridge, MA in 1936 to Harry and Athena Hasapidis, and spent her early years in Cambridge, as well as Miami, FL, Wilmington, DE, before settling in Brighton, MA. She graduated from Brighton High School before attending Boston University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in business. It was at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Boston that Elaine met the love of her life, Andy. To his surprise, when she invited him to her family's Thanksgiving dinner, he arrived to find that he was the only non-family guest. That moment marked the beginning of a beautiful love story, and in 1957, Elaine and Andy married.

The couple moved to Oakland, CA, while Andy served in the Army, before returning to Brighton. Later, they built their beloved home on Cape Cod, where they spent many happy years gardening, sailing, and enjoying life. Above all else, Elaine cherished her family and was an extraordinary wife, mother and grandmother.

She devoted her career to helping others, first as the accountant for her father’s restaurant, and later as a dedicated educator. She taught accounting, English, typing, and secretarial skills at the Chandler School for Women and later at the Katherine Gibbs School. When she and Andy moved to Cape Cod full-time in 1976, she worked in Accounts Receivable at Software 2000 for the remainder of her career.

Elaine was a passionate volunteer, giving her time to the St. Katherine’s Ladies Philoptochos Society at the St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Hyannis, Cape Cod, and serving as a charter member of the Daughters of Penelope chapter in Hyannis. She was a member of the Lewis Bay Yacht Club and the Hyannis Yacht Club for many years. She actively canvassed for numerous causes and political campaigns.

Elaine’s favorite phrase when facing any challenge was, “Let’s give it the old college try!”—a sentiment that reflected her resilience, optimism, and dedication to those she loved. She often noted that some of her happiest times were those spent helping to raise her grandchildren, who brought her great joy. She treasured her time with her grandchildren, babysitting, playing, and sharing her humor and wisdom through the years.

Elaine’s kindness, warmth, and unwavering love for her family and community will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Elaine is survived by her devoted husband Andrew Efstathiou of West Yarmouth MA, son Andrew (Nancy) Efstathiou of Canton MA, daughter Kathryn (Michael) Genovese of Framingham MA, her beloved grandchildren Alexander, Sophia, Ellen and Kai, and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice in Elaine Efstathiou’s honor.