Carolyn Xenos Arseniu

Mom was born on April 15, 1927, in Youngstown Ohio. Her parents Moska and Zackery Xenos were Greek Immigrants from Patmos. Papou had arrived in America in 1917 looking for work. He spoke very little English and enlisted in the U.S. Army. If he survived the war, he would become an American citizen and then would be able to send for his wife. Since he spoke very little English, he was made a cook and served in France. He survived being mustard gas though it contributed to his death later in life.

They moved to Youngstown Ohio and started a family. Mom was the youngest of four with three older brothers. Papou continued his vocation as a cook. They later moved to Huntington West Virginia where she spent her younger life. Huntington had church but not full time Priest, so they had traveling Priests stopping by to celebrate Liturgy and celebrate Holidays. Dad was in the seminary in Brookline Massachusetts and had traveled to Huntington for Pascha. Mom fell in love with his voice. She married George William Arseniu in 1953, in Huntington and moved to Waterloo Iowa built a church and started a family. Joanne was born 1955, followed by Billy 1956. Tired of the cold they transferred to Albuquerque New Mexico. There they thrived with the community and Dad worked with the governor and senators to have Orthodox accepted as a state religion. At the time, Greek Orthodox was not recognized as an official religion in the state of New Mexico.

Dad was the Priest and Mom was the Choir Director the two of them worked together beautifying the Divine Liturgy each Sunday. There were many parties and festivals and after eating the community would dance to the early morning. Mom was an excellent dancer and moved with grace. Dad was pretty good himself having to keep up with Mom. Mom had propensity for dancing from early childhood during the depression. She would tap dance on the front porch sometimes earning pennies from people passing by. We then moved to Raleigh. Mom worked for Raleigh Internal Medicine for over twenty years, she taught Sunday school with authority and love for her church. The children always came back and thanked her for her love and zeal for the church.

Mom’s life was the church whether it was cooking or cleaning or bussing tables at the Greek festival where she would take the opportunity to introduce people to the Orthodox faith. Mom was always active whether it was yoga or aerobics she was always doing something. She was forthright and honest you knew where you stood, never knowing a stranger and always with a smile. Her house was your house, and she shared all her cooking and kindness. Mom was mom to all our friends always including them during mealtimes and helping them in life’s situations. Many have told stories of how Mom would stand up and defend them or take people under her wing and help them no matter their situation. Mom aged with grace and loved the beauty of nature. Always commenting on the clouds and trees and getting her hands in the dirt gardening. She was a Mother to all our friends and loved them as her own.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, Father George Arseniu in 2018, and her three brothers.

She is survived by her two children Joanne and Billy (Jo Lynn); her grandson, Matthew (Liz); and three great grandchildren.

She was a Classy Lady

Bye Mom

A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 4, 2024, from 5-7pm, with Trisagion prayers beginning at 6pm, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 5000 Lead Mine Rd. Raleigh, NC 27612. A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 5th at 11am at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. Burial will follow at Raleigh Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Transitions LifeCare, 250 Hospice Cir., Raleigh, NC 27607.

Service arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, NC 27605.