Eleni Arfaras(Neenicholis)

Eleni Arfaras (nee Nicholis), 101, passed away surrounded by her loving family March 25, 2012.

Eleni travelled the long ocean voyage from her small island of Symi, Greece at the tender age of 17 as a newlywed. Her beloved husband John, and she came to America for a better life. Their marriage was "Made in Heaven." Eleni and John raised three happy and wonderful children.

Eleni was a sweet, gentle lady who was also witty, mighty, stubborn and strong. She loved her nightly beer. Her children and grandchildren will always remember the wonderful holiday gatherings at Yia Yia's. She would say, "You always miss the Cook." Eleni was known for her gourmet Greek cuisine! And yes, we will miss her with all our hearts and soul.

Eleni was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John; dear daughter, Mary A. Economou and son-in-law, John N. Economou. She leaves her devoted, loving and tenatious caregiver daughter, Ann Arfaras; and beloved son, Spiros Arfaras (Joan); Eleni leaves six granddaughters, Patti (James), Mary (Joseph), Elena (John), Christina (Richard), Johnna Maria and Cathy (Kelly); nine great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.

The family celebrates her amazing life and will always remember our dear, dear Yia Yia.

"For all eternity, America is indebted to the immigrant mother, whether she was Italian, Jewish, Polish, Austrian, Hungarian, Saxon, German, Russian, English, Slavic, Greek, Syrian, Bulgarian, Czech, Irish, Slovenian or Ukrainian. She is the unsung heroine and pioneer of America. No statue can be built high enough with which to sculpt a fitting memorial to the immigrant mother - she who nurtured us, raised us, with her ideals inspired us, with her devotion saved us, and then on the altar of love, laid out her worn, spent body, and from her place in heaven, she sent down her blessings to America for what this country has offered her children."

The family would like to give a special thanks to the caring staff of Wyant Woods.

Services will be held 11 a.m. WEDNESDAY, at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 129 S. Union St., with Rev. Fr. Jerry F. Hall officiating. Interment at Rose Hill Burial Park. Friends may call at the church WEDNESDAY, one hour prior to the service.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Medical Center, Memphis, Tenn.; Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church; or the John N. Economou Scholarship Fund of Akron Community Foundation.