Vasiliki Karakitsos

Vasiliki Karakitsos East Lansing Born January 7, 1911 in Mavrikion, Arkadia, Greece, Vasiliki, mother, grandmother, and beloved wife fondly called Daskala (Teacher), passed away quietly surrounded by family members at her side on August 20, 2009 at the age of 98. She was preceded in death by her parents Konstantina and Panayoti Kopita; husband Demetrios; and son Aristomenes Karakitsos. Surviving are her son Dr. John (Coleen) Karakitsos and her grandsons Dimitri and Manny, her sisters Efstratia Janis, Mina (Ted) Gallas, and her nephews Dr. Mennen Gallas (Stacy), and James Gallas, Dr. George Politis (Rita), Dr. Eugenia Politis, Anne Politis and Demetri Politis, and niece Dr. Eugenia Kopita, and sister-in-law Pota Kopita. Mrs. Karakitsos emigrated with her husband to the United States in 1963 to help her sister Efstratia in the Coney Island restaurant after their son's death and lived in Port Huron until they retired to live in Lansing with their son and daughter-in-law, taking great pleasure in helping them care for their grandsons. They were her greatest joy, never raising her voice to them and spoiling them with food and attention, not to mention the occasional $20 bill. Her unfailing good humor, wonderful stories, and warm affection will be greatly missed by all who know her. She was a fabulous cook and her homemade bread was legend. She always made an extra loaf on bake days for the church she loved. Family visitation will be held at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 E. Grand River Ave, East Lansing, from 2-4 Sunday afternoon and 6-8 Sunday evening with a Trisiagon Service at 7:30 p.m. The Greek Orthodox funeral service will be conducted on August 24, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. by Father Mark Sietsema at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make contributions to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in memory of Mrs. Karakitsos.