Chrysanthy "Sally" Kootsikas

Chrysanthy “Sally” Kootsikas (nee Tsakiris) passed away peacefully with her family by her side on June 10, 2025, at the age of 87. Sally was the beloved wife for 60 years of the late Peter “Pete” Kootsikas; devoted mother of Karen and Michael Girken and Diana Kootsikas; loving YiaYia of Nicholas and Amanda Girken, and Christopher Girken; and cherished Great YiaYia of Isabel and Sophia Girken. Sally is also survived by her nieces, nephews, and godchildren whom she loved dearly.

Sally was the daughter of the late Evelyn and George Tsakiris and granddaughter of the late Zelma and Henry Smith. Sally had an absolutely wonderful life growing up in Highlandtown (Greek Town) with both her Greek and German families and a multitude of friends. Sally graduated from her beloved Patterson High School in 1955 and then went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the Teaching College of Towson in 1959. She received her Master’s Degree from Towson State University in 1978. Sally was a devoted and engaging elementary school teacher, mostly in Anne Arundel County, for over 25 years with a passion for teaching Math. She is remembered by her students and colleagues as a caring influence who motivated her students to want to learn.

From early on Sally was an active member of her church, the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation in Baltimore, where she sang with her friends in the choir, taught Greek dancing, organized trips, and together with Pete ran the Taverna at Annunciation’s Greek Festival and at Baltimore’s Greek Festival when held at the Baltimore Harbor’s Pavilion. Sally later was a member of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Parkville where she sang in the choir, was a member of the Philoptochos, and helped with their Greek Festival.

Sally loved to dance! She was light on her feet and had perfect rhythm. Whether she was effortlessly dancing the sousta at a Greek dance or gracefully navigating the dance floor with Pete, everyone stopped to watch and share in her joy. Sally and Pete were members of the “Let’s Dance” and “Stardust” dance groups and would dance up to 3 times a week with the many wonderful friends they met.

Sally married Pete, the love of her life, on July 31, 1960. Pete said that his life began when he met Sally. Together they lived a beautiful life filled with joy, laughter, traveling, singing, dancing, and a deep love for each other, their children, and their family. Sally adored and was so proud of her grandchildren, Nick, and Chris, as they were her pride and joy. Sally was also blessed with many dear and lifelong friendships that she deeply treasured. There was never a dull or quiet moment when the “gang” was together. Sally was known for her infectious smile and laughter and she was loved by everyone who knew her. She was kind, caring, genuine, and welcoming, making friends wherever she went. Sally also had a very special gift of keeping memories alive by sharing stories of the past and reliving the special times in her life. Sally was a blessing to all who knew her, and she will be deeply missed.

Services will take place on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 2504 Cub Hill Road, Parkville, MD 21234. A viewing will be held from 10:00 am-11:00 am with a Funeral Service beginning at 11:00 am. Interment is to immediately follow at the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Sally’s memory may be made to St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 2504 Cub Hill Road, Parkville Md 21234 or to the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation, 24 W. Preston Street, Baltimore, MD 21201.