Frances Frank Kyriazis

It is with deep sadness that we announce that our beloved Frances Frank Kyriazis (Kunelis) passed away peacefully on September 25, 2026, surrounded by family. Frances was born on June 21, 1963, in Burbank, California, the cherished daughter of Frank and Soula Kunelis. Her parents, immigrants from Greece, instilled in her a deep love and pride for her Greek Orthodox faith, heritage, and culture. She lived an extraordinary life filled with selfless service, unwavering devotion, and boundless love for her family, faith, and friends.

Growing up, Frances excelled in every endeavor. A stellar student with a lifelong passion for learning, she consistently earned top marks. Beyond the classroom, she was an exceptional athlete who loved playing softball, as well as a gifted performer who loved music, dance, and playing the violin in her youth.

Being part of a close-knit family, Frances deeply loved her brother, Jim, and two sisters, Georgia and Dena. Her parents often reminded her to be “το τιμόνι του σπιτιού” (the steering wheel of the house), a role she embraced with fervor. Taking that calling to heart, she served as a natural leader and anchor for her siblings, always setting an example for them to follow.

Frances had a wonderful childhood filled with love, laughter, travel, and deep values. With the backyard constantly bustling with neighborhood kids, a homemade baseball diamond sparked her passion for softball. The Kunelis home was always filled with family, friends, and lively holiday celebrations. Her family was known for opening their doors during holidays to anyone without a place to go, a tradition of hospitality Frances lovingly continued. Her parents deeply cherished the American Dream, taking the family on road trips across the United States to explore national landmarks and embrace the nation's history. These journeys instilled in Frances a proud patriotic spirit and a lifelong commitment to civic duty. At the same time, her parents frequently took the family to Greece, instilling in her a lifelong devotion to her heritage, from historic landmarks to vibrant Panigyria. As the family's devoted matriarch, she continued these trips to Greece, maintaining strong ties with relatives and preserving the family home. With a deep appreciation for both her American life and her Greek roots, Frances proudly embraced a dual heritage and most recently, dual citizenship, that she cherished throughout her life.

While her parents maintained strict standards, Frances embraced her high school years with enthusiasm, focusing on her studies and softball and remaining deeply involved in her church community, particularly through Greek folk dancing with the Golden Greeks. Always a respectful and loving daughter, she made her family proud, graduating with honors from Burbank High School in 1981.

Frances thrived during her college years at USC, where she proudly served as President of the Greek Club. An avid sports fan, she rarely missed a game as she passionately rooted for her Trojans. Eager to deepen her connection to her heritage, she took Greek classes to become fluent in reading and writing. Throughout college, she continued Greek folk dancing with her church and even stepped into a leadership role as a director for a younger dance group. Continuing her commitment to preserving Greek heritage in America, she was deeply active in the Maids of Athena (AHEPA), rising to the role of District Lieutenant Governor.

Following her graduation from USC in 1985, Frances earned her law degree from Loyola Law School, maintaining her lifelong commitment to academic excellence. True to her remarkable work ethic and determination, she passed the Bar on her first attempt and quickly established herself as a successful attorney at a reputable law firm.

Back in 1981, a young man named Jim Kyriazis dropped off his sister Toni at Greek dance practice and saw Frances, and for him, it was love at first sight. He pursued her relentlessly until she finally agreed to go out with him. They were married on June 12, 1993, at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Northridge, California.

Following her mother’s sudden death on November 11, 1994, Frances stepped into her role as the family matriarch with immense devotion, leading her family with love and strength. The greatest joy of Frances’s life arrived on May 22, 1995, with the birth of her daughter, Athanasia. Embracing motherhood with the same passion and devotion she brought to everything else, she chose to step away from her law firm career, unable to bear the thought of missing a single moment with her precious baby girl. To stay home while maintaining her profession, she built a part-time estate planning practice, drafting trusts during nap times and late evenings, while giving Athanasia her undivided love, attention, and selfless devotion.

That same resilience shone brightly just a short time later when Frances was officially diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Though her condition progressed over time, Fran was a true warrior and the strongest person imaginable. She faced every physical challenge with unmatched strength and resilience, refusing to let MS define or limit her love for life. Her family remained central to everything she did, and she always went above and beyond for them. She was an extraordinary mother, always present and never missing a single game, performance, or milestone in Athanasia’s life. She brought that same boundless support to her brother, sisters, nieces, and nephews, standing as a constant presence at every birth, game, and celebration. Though confined to a wheelchair for nearly twenty years, she never complained, proving to all that her spirit was far stronger than any diagnosis. She met every day with courage, grace, and unwavering joy.

Frances brought that same unwavering devotion to her Greek Orthodox faith. She was a tireless servant to her beloved St. Nicholas Church and a pillar of the community, giving selflessly to support the church she adored. Attending Sunday services was deeply important to Frances and like her father, if she didn’t attend church on Sunday, she didn’t feel right for the rest of the week. She made a point to be present at every Trisagion and funeral for fellow parishioners and friends, regardless of physical challenges. For over 25 years, Fran served as the treasurer for the Greek dance program, working long, dedicated hours to ensure the program’s growth and success. She was the heart and hands behind the program’s largest annual fundraiser, the Glendi dinner dance, organizing the entire event, managing reservations, selling raffle tickets, collecting funds, and spending countless hours meticulously reconciling the books. She also took immense pride in serving as the MC for the St. Nicholas Valley Greek Festival every year, energizing the crowd for all three days, nine hours a day, with her trademark warmth and joy.

When Frances was diagnosed with stage IV cancer on April 17, 2026, she met the news not with bitterness, but with a deep trust in God’s plan, fighting with incredible courage and strength. Her

daughter and pride and joy, Athanasia, proved to be her ultimate advocate and constant companion, navigating every appointment, treatment, and hospital stay right by her side. Surrounding her mother with unwavering love until her final breath, Athanasia offered the exact same selfless, dedicated care that Frances had always given her.

To know Fran was to love her and be loved by her. She was a saint, a true angel with a pure heart and a golden soul. She exemplified who we all should aspire to be by living fully, loving deeply, and remaining a constant source of inspiration to everyone around her. She touched everyone who was blessed to meet her, seeing the good in all people and making each person feel special. The world is a better place because she was in it, and Heaven shines brighter with her there. Her memory will live in our hearts forever.

Frances is survived by her beloved husband, Jim Kyriazis, cherished daughter, Athanasia Kyriazis, brother, Jim Kunelis, married to Cinnamon Kunelis; sister, Georgia Bacoulis, sister, Dena Armeniakos, married to John Armeniakos; sister-in-law, Toni Plutchak, and nieces and nephews: Soula Bacoulis, Cole Plutchak, Victoria Kunelis, Angela Bacoulis, Frank Kunelis, Athena Bacoulis, Michael Armeniakos and Foti Armeniakos.

She was preceded in death by her father, Frank Kunelis, mother, Soula Kunelis (Megas), father-in-law, Pete Kalomiris, and mother-in-law, Sylvia Kalomiris (Mennes).

Thursday, October 8th, 2026 - Trisagion (Viewing)

Public Viewing: 5:30 PM – 7:15 PM

Trisagion Service: 7:30 PM

Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church

9501 Balboa Blvd, Northridge, CA 91325

A reception will follow in the Grande Ballroom, and everyone is cordially invited to join us.

Friday, October 9th, 2026 - Funeral

Public Viewing: 9:15 AM – 10:45 AM

Funeral Service: 11 AM

Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church

9501 Balboa Blvd, Northridge, CA 91325

Interment (Burial) to follow the funeral service

Oakwood Memorial Park

22601 Lassen St, Chatsworth, CA 91311

Makaria (Luncheon) at 1:15 PM

Saint Nicholas Grande Ballroom

17037 Plummer St., Northridge, CA 91325

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in her memory to her beloved Saint Nicholas Church