Angelica "Kiki" Verses

Angelica "Kiki" Verses, 95, of Stamford, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2025 at Stamford Care Center in Stamford, CT. Born on July 13, 1930, in Greenwich, CT, to Nicholas and Eleni Varunes, Kiki is predeceased by her son, Socrates, and survived by her loving son, Niko (Mary Denise) and her daughter in law, Judy; her cherished grandchildren, Jason (Jackie), Liam, Zachary, and Alexa; her adored goddaughter, Paige Wolfe, and her devoted nieces and nephew, Elaina, Anita (Fotios), and their son, Lukas, and Nicko (DeAnn), along with their children, Socrates and Stratis.

Although Kiki was born in the United States, she moved back to Greece before World War II. She often recounted vivid stories of her childhood under German occupation and shared memories of her relatives' involvement in the Resistance. In more joyful times, Kiki's mother transformed their home in Sparta into a taverna, where Kiki's love for food and entertaining began. Blessed with a beautiful voice, she sang for taverna patrons and later became part of her high school choir in Greenwich, CT.

Kiki spent much of her early married years volunteering for numerous causes and was a dedicated member of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society and the Church of the Archangels Greek Orthodox Church in Stamford. She was a devoted Sunday School teacher who never lost her sense of humor – even when her spirited sons, Niko and Soc, were frequently sent to Father Poulos’ office for discipline. With patience and faith, she continued bringing them to Sunday school, hopeful it might tame their wild streak.

Kiki had a long career at NAGI Jewelers, where Nagi, Liz, and Jeff were not only her employers, but dear friends and extended family. Thanks to her work there, the Verses girls possess some of the most beautiful jewelry. Throughout her life, Kiki was surrounded by close friends, including the late Penny Basel, Sylvia Kambas, Nike Passios, Debbie Manos, Cassie and Bob Macfarlane, and Eleni Prince, who was like a daughter to her. Additionally, we are so grateful to her doctors, Dr. Elizabeth Siderides, Dr. Shara P. Israel and Dr. Anna Karidas, who provided such stellar and loving care for her throughout most of her life. Niko and I are indebted to her incredible caregiver, Eka “Katerina” Chitashvili, who was very special to her and took perfect care of her these last years during the final stages of her life.

Kiki will be fondly remembered for her love of family, especially her grandchildren, her friends, her remarkable cooking and entertaining skills, and her vibrant spirit.

Calling hours will take place at the Leo P Gallagher Funeral Home in Stamford, CT on Wednesday, October 08, 2025 from 3 PM to 7 PM. The funeral will be at 10 AM on Thursday, October 9 at Church of the Archangels, 1527 Bedford St, Stamford, CT. Burial will follow at 2 PM in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in loving memory of Angelica “Kiki” to the Saint Basil Academy, 79 Saint Basil Road, Garrison, NY 10524 – it is the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese’s home for children in need. Please put "In memory of Angelica Verses" in the memo line of the check.