OBITUARY Georgia Markopoulos November 13, 1913 – November 19, 2018 Five days after she turned 105 years young, Georgia Markopoulos finally decided that her work here on Earth was done, and we were ready to lead our lives without her. This amazing woman was born on November 14, 1913, in Vounaria, Greece, to Eleni and Aristide Kamvisi, who farmed olives and raisins on the Peloponnese coastline. Georgia was raised with her brother Tassos and her sister, Akrivi.
In 1934, Georgia married Efstathios Markopoulos, a school teacher from Militsa, Messinia, Greece. Most of their married life was spent in Kalamata raising their daughters until they moved to Athens in 1965. They remained there until Efstathios’ death in 1993.
At that point, Georgia began to visit her daughters in Houston, with each trip lasting longer than the previous. Eventually, her time in Greece became short visits, as she remained with her family in America. Georgia always stressed the importance of prayer to her children and grandchildren, and she will be remembered by her powerful and practical example.
Her unceasing message whenever we saw her was to keep love (αγάπη) always in our hearts. Georgia dedicated her life to the Lord, her husband, and her children. She was first and foremost a provider to anyone she met.
Even though she couldn’t speak English, she never hesitated to give someone a little advice in Greek as to how they should care for their child or follow Greek customs. For 104 + years, she was completely independent and would not be caught allowing anyone to do something for her that she could do herself. Yiayia, as she was affectionately known to so many, will be remembered for her amazing needlework.
She leaves behind her many crocheted blankets, framed needlepoint, pillows, scarves, and hats. She was truly gifted in this area. Yiayia is preceded in death by her parents, sister, brother, husband, infant daughter Eleni, and sons-in-law Harry Stamos and Nick F. Demeris.
She is survived by her three daughters; Pipitsa Stamos, Eleni Demeris, and Thalia and her husband John Leonard. Grandchildren left to cherish her example are Georgia and Scott Souders, Thalia and George Gazis, Cindy and Fote Demeris, Chrissy and Stathy Demeris, Brandy and Yanni Demeris, Joannie and George Demeris, Tonya and Nick Leonard, and Elise and Demetri Dale. The following are blessed to have had Yiayia as a great-grandmother and living legacy; Arianna and Dimitri Tagaropulos, Sophia Gazis, Eleni and Nickolas F. Demeris, Yanni F., Frankie, Eleni S., Niko, Caroline, Emmy, Andrew, Fote, Alexander, and Stefano Demeris, Dash and Liam Leonard, John and Vasili Dale.
Rafaela Tagaropulos is her only great great grandchild. We would like to thank the staff at Seven Acres for their constant compassion over the last five months. They were always considerate of Yiayia and treated her with grace and respect.
At all times, she was cared for as if she were their own grandmother. We would also like to thank Father Demetrios Tagaropulos for his frequent visits and kindness shown to Yiayia. We are grateful for his presence.
We will celebrate Yiayia at a visitation on Friday, November 23, 2018, at 9:00 a.m. at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 3511 Yoakum, with Trisagion prayers. The funeral service will follow immediately at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Forest Park Cemetery, 12800 Westheimer. Serving as pallbearers will be the grandsons and great-grandsons of Yiayia.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral.
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