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1926
2020
Xenia Neckles Tangalakis, born in the Bronx, NY on January 31, 1926, passed away in her home on June 22, 2020. She was predeceased by her husband of 45 years, Charles H. Tangalakis and her four siblings. They lived in NY among a close network of extended family, and moved to Fort Lauderdale in 1971.
In Greek, Xenia means hospitality. It would be hard to find somebody so perfectly suited to her name. She was a woman of unbelievable determination, dignity, and appreciation of life who enjoyed every day with optimism and enthusiasm. She lived life to its fullest, despite physical limitations. She was always there to help others, and never wanted to be a burden to others. She was beloved by all and maintained her independence throughout her life.
Xenia served her church and her community in countless ways. A proud accomplishment was the founding of Loving Stitches, a group of women who meet monthly to knit and crochet blankets for babies being introduced to the church. It was later expanded to making blankets, hats, and walker bags for the elderly and sick at local hospitals.
She was active in St. Demetrios and served on multiple councils and committees. A testament to her church and community involvement was the honor of receiving the Archangel Michael Award from the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta. Other memberships include Papanicolaou Cancer Research, Ladies Philoptochos Society, St. Demetrios Parish Council, Greek Festival, Daughters of Penelope, Agape Club, etc. Her great joy was to greet every parishioner who came to worship. Her beautiful spirit will always guide those she left behind.
She is survived by her three children, Betty Rigberg (Corey), Susan Oliver (Gordon), and Harry Tangalakis, and her grandchildren, Daniel, Stephanie, and Joshua, as well as her dear sister-in-law, Helen Neckles, numerous nieces and nephews, and her loving church family.
Visitation will be held at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 820 NE 14 Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL on Monday, June 29, 2020 at 10:30 a.m., followed by funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Internment at Forest Lawn Cemetery 200 W Copans Road, Pompano Beach, FL.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church.
Due to COVID regulations, masks are required and physical contact is restricted. A celebration of this precious life will be at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
Dear Harry, Susan & family,
Sending heartfelt & deepest sympathy in the loss of your beloved mom. She will always be fondly remembered for the sweet woman that she was. May God comfort you and give you strength at this most difficult time.
Lifting you in prayer,
Mary Catevenis
Mary Catevenis
Friend
June 30, 2020
May Xenias memory be eternal.
I recall our many happy times together In the 1950s at Neckles Beach, the family business, in the Throggs Neck section of the Bronx.
Xenias father, my Uncle George, would sometimes help out in the hot dog stand, on weekends, and often gave my mother, my brother and me a ride home, after work, to the family home at 4413 Third Avenue. Sometimes Uncle George would explore during this ride, and we would get home by way of Connecticut.
My parents Mary and, Georges brother, Petro were only about ten years older than Uncle Georges children, Teddy, Christy, Xenia and Peter, because George was the oldest brother and my father, Petro, was the youngest. But all the family were very close and loving. Xenia, especially, exuded love and warmth. I never recall seeing her without a broad smile on her face; just like her photo; She loved life, and she was loved.
My Deepest sympathies to my cousins, Betty, Susan and Harry.
May Xenia rest in the peace of a life well lived.
Peter Neckles
Peter Neckles
Family
June 29, 2020
Dear Harry, and family - I am so sorry for your loss. May God bless and give you strength in this difficult time. With much love and prayers - Patti Friend
Patti Friend
Friend
June 29, 2020
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