Elaine Kourafas

November 17, 1929 - September 20, 2025

Fresno, California

Elaine Kourafas was born on November 17, 1929, in San Francisco, California, to James and Julia Pappas. She passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 20, 2025.

Elaine grew up surrounded by the vibrant Greek community of San Francisco, which remained a lifelong anchor in her faith and service. In 1948, she married the love of her life, Nick Tom Kourafas, and moved to Fresno, where together they built a home filled with faith, tradition, and family. Elaine and Nick were blessed with four children: James, George, Christopher, and Joanne, and shared nearly 60 years of marriage before Nick's passing in 2008.

Faith and family were the cornerstones of Elaine's life. For more than 70 years, she was a devoted member of Saint George Greek Orthodox Church, where she gave tirelessly of her time and talents, never seeking recognition but always giving from the heart. She chaired the Saint George Greek Food Festival, served for decades with the Athena Philoptochos Society - including a term as local President - and was honored as Mother of the Year at Saint George Greek Orthodox Church. She also gave her time charitably to the Angel Babies ministry, serving her community with compassion and care. Beyond the church, Elaine found joy on the golf course and proudly served as President of the San Joaquin Country Club Women's Golf Club.

Above all, Elaine was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and matriarch. Her family was her greatest pride and joy. Though she was firm in her values, her love and devotion were unwavering, and she was the bond that held her family close across generations.

Elaine was preceded in death by her husband Nick, and her parents. She was the third sibling, and predeceased by her siblings Gus Pappas, Patricia Caras, Doris Chapralis, and Angelo Pappas. She is survived by her children James (Regina), George (Jan), Christopher (Patricia Boukidis), and Joanne Weaver (Bill); her grandchildren Nick Kourafas (Aimee), Alexa Longfellow (Mike), Brooke Zeiler (Tony), Candace Kourafas, Andrea Covarrubias (Edgar), Alexis Kourafas, Adrianna Kourafas Ketterer (Trent), Eleni Kourafas, Michael Weaver (Jessica), and Lauren Weaver; and her great-grandchildren Catherine and Carissa Kourafas, Emerson, Everett and Elliott Brazil, and George Ketterer. She is also survived by her many nephews and nieces who she adored.

Funeral services will be held at Saint George Greek Orthodox Church on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that remembrances be made to Saint George Greek Orthodox Church, 2219 N. Orchard Avenue, Fresno, CA 93703.