Harriet Chaknis

Harriet Nikas Chaknis, age 96, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Sunday, October 16, 2022, in Atlanta, GA. A native Atlantan, Harriet was the fourth of five children born to George D. and Marika (Kentistou) Nikas of Evia, Greece. Harriet was a proud graduate of Commercial High School and participated in a number of class reunions along with her sisters, Lula and Zoe. In June of 1947, Harriet married John M. Chaknis another Atlanta Native, and close friend of her brothers, Angelo (A.G.) and Jimmy.

Harriet and John raised their three children, Mary (Michael Aycox), Carol ( Jerry Repphun) and Manuel (Deidre) in Atlanta, where they attended the local public schools and were part of the greater Atlanta Greek Community, participating in many events at the Greek Orthodox Church (and later Cathedral) of the Annunciation.

In addition to her dedication to her family, Harriet was well-known for her cooking and hospitality, playing the piano (often in duets with her husband and violinist, John), and participating in the church choir, annual Atlanta Greek Festivals and the Ladies Philoptochos Philanthropic Society. Always a dependable and helpful worker, Harriet served eighteen years as a Voucher Examiner for the U.S. Department of Labor.

Harriet served as matriarch of the Chaknis family for over four decades after John's passing. She was beloved by many, including nine grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. May her memory be eternal.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Ladies Philoptochos Society, Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation, 2500 Clairmont Road NE, Atlanta, Ga 30329.

Harriet's family also wants to acknowledge the numerous ladies who served as her caretakers in her later years. These special women rendered loving and compassionate care to Harriet, tempering her difficult times with songs, laughs, prayers and television food shows. These angels include: Denise McLeish, Patience Mukopka, Lisa Roy, Beverly Scott, Donna Thomas and Juanita Watkins.

A visitation for Harriet will be held Wednesday, October 19, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation, 2500 Clairmont Rd, Atlanta, GA 30329. The funeral service is at 11:00am at the Cathedral follow by the burial at Floral Hills Memory Gardens.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.floralhillsfuneral.com for the CHAKNIS family.