Argyro Rula Kouretas

Rula is survived by George, her devoted husband of 61 years; her sons, Peter Kouretas and his wife Niki, and John Kouretas and his wife Dana. She will live on forever in the hearts of her beloved grandchildren: Zoe, George, Sophia, Yianni, Alexander, and Eleftheria. Rula will be deeply missed by her sisters, Eleftheria Contos and her husband Jim, Maria Neophotistos (late husband Iakovos), and Katina Alvanos (late husband Stelios); her sister-in-law Anna Dagre and her husband Kimon; as well as many cherished nieces and nephews in Greece and Canada.

Rula was born in Chania, Crete, Greece, in 1940 to Roussos and Zoe Koukousakis. From a young age, she was a bright and determined student with a deep appreciation for education and a natural passion for math and science. However, due to the hardships of post–World War II Greece, she was unable to pursue higher education. Demonstrating remarkable strength and resilience, Rula chose to leave school to help her family make ends meet, an early reflection of the selflessness and leadership that would define her life.

In late 1963, Rula traveled to Canada to support her younger sister during a difficult pregnancy, a journey that would ultimately change the course of her life. Before returning to Crete, she visited beloved cousins in Modesto, California, and attended a glendi (dance) at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. It was there where she met George, a young and handsome recent immigrant from Pylos, Greece. After a brief courtship, they were married in June of 1964 in Sacramento, where they built their life together and welcomed their two cherished sons.

Faith, love, family, community, and education formed the foundation of the Kouretas home. They truly embodied the meaning of “philoxenia”—love of welcoming others. Anyone who entered their home was treated as family.

For nearly two decades, Rula worked tirelessly to help provide for her sons’ education. She began as a cook for the Sisters in the convents at both St. Ignatius and Sacred Heart Elementary Schools in Sacramento, where her sons were students. She fondly remembered her time with the Sisters, joyfully learning to prepare a variety of ethnic dishes. In the late 1980s, Rula and George opened their own restaurant, Park Plaza Café, in downtown Sacramento. It quickly became a beloved gathering place, frequented by many government and political officials, not only for the exceptional homemade food, but for the warmth and hospitality Rula brought to every guest.

After retiring in the mid-1990s, Rula continued to devote herself to her growing family. She and George traversed the United States to spend time with their children and grandchildren, who were the greatest joys of her life. When she wasn’t with family, Rula enjoyed traveling, especially a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to the Holy Land. She loved tending to her garden, and Greek dancing, which she did with effortless grace. She was a devoted member of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Sacramento, where she attended Bible study and could often be found preparing delicious meals and Greek desserts in the church kitchen.

Rula’s generosity extended far beyond her home. She cared for others not only through her hospitality, but through her presence, offering a listening ear, an open heart, and wise counsel to all who needed it. Rula touched countless people with her compassion and strength, and her impact on the lives of her family and friends is immeasurable. We will continue to look to her as a shining example of selfless love, unwavering faith, and humble service to others.

May her memory be eternal.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Rula’s name to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 616 Alhambra Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95816, or to the Holy Monastery of the Theotokos of the Lifegiving Spring, 38526 Dunlap Road, PO Box 549, Dunlap, CA 93621.