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Kiveli Sybil Gazikas

1928 - 2020

Kiveli Sybil Gazikas obituary, 1928-2020, Ivoryton, CT

BORN

1928

DIED

2020

FUNERAL HOME

Byles Memorial Home - New London

99 Huntington St

New London, Connecticut

Kiveli Gazikas Obituary

KIVELI SYBIL GAZIKAS age 92 of Ivoryton CT, passed away on Monday evening, May 18, 2020 at Yale Hospital of Saint Raphael in New Haven. She was born Kiveli Gavalas of Greek heritage in Istanbul Turkey on May 7, 1924 and raised by her grandmother from infancy due to the sudden passing of her mother. She attended a French school throughout her childhood, and at graduation she fluently spoke 5 languages. She was married in Turkey where she had her first two children and then in 1956, following The Istanbul September Pogrom she abruptly immigrated with the entire family to the United States of America to avoid religious persecution. In America she had her last child and started her long career as an exceptional soldering technician. She worked for numerous NASA and Aerospace suppliers providing services at the highest level for the US Government. She maintained her technical skills and incredible work ethic until she retired from Whelen Engineering at 84 years old, where she is well known and loved by Whelen employees young and old. Kiveli was an active member of St. Sophia Hellenic Orthodox Church in New London where she shared her angelic soprano voice in the choir. She is remembered by the legacy of love in creating her family with her husband Thomas of 72 years. Kiveli was the rock of the family creating a loving, giving and welcoming home. She was one of God's angels on earth and will be dearly missed. Kiveli was survived by her husband Thomas Arthur Gazikas, her eldest daughter Sophie Nordell of Otsego, MN and her two sons, Dimitrios James Gazikas of Ivoryton, CT and Anthony Gazikas of Centerbrook, CT. She was a loving Yiayia to six grandchildren, Lisa Barber, Christy Charles, Tom Nordell, Alex Gazikas, Lauren Gazikas and Mary Gazikas and four great grandchildren, Cassady & Madelyn Barber, Sophie & Paige Charles. A private graveside was held in Cedar Grove Cemetery, New London. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please honor Kiveli through donations in her name to St. Sophia Hellenic Orthodox Church, 200 Hempstead Street, New London CT 06320. For more about Kiveli and to sign the online register please visit www.byles.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Hartford Courant on Jun. 7, 2020.

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3 Entries

Marilyn Gazikas

January 25, 2024

I didn't know her .but it a beautiful story and she a beautiful soul. Marilyn Gazikas

Paul Ayotte

October 14, 2020

With this Covid-19 changing our lives, it is with a sad heart that I happened across Kiveli's obituary. I always knew Tom and Kiveli were an exceptional couple and the entire Gazikas family were unique, but I never knew the hardships and personal challenges they endured before I knew them.
Warmth, love and respect flowed from Kiveli each day of her life and I am blessed to be a recipient of these attributes. Never was there a negative remark; she always saw the good in life. Now knowing the history she and Tom lived through, I can only say they are God's gift to us.
Memories of Christmas' time are well known. Tom would come with his bottle of Christmas spirit and Kiveli brought her "out of this world" baked goods. She always brought enough for me and my staff and this was the highlight of each December. And she always reminded me to make sure the "Mrs" got some of the goodies .
To the entire Gazikas family I give my sympathy. Her love and warmth will always be with you.

Dr. H. Paul Ayotte

Alex Papathanasiou

June 8, 2020

Dear Mr. Gazikas & Family,
So sorry for the passing of Kiveli. I remember coming to your house on Sundays when we were young and our parents would visit and Tony would perform magic tricks for entertainment. What good days gone by. She led an extraordinary life and was a wonderful woman with a beautiful voice and smile. She had every reason to smile! She will be missed and I know the Gazikas' family faith will guide you through the difficult days ahead. On behalf of my parents & I, we send our love to your family. + May Kivelis memory be eternal +

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Funeral services provided by:

Byles Memorial Home - New London

99 Huntington St, New London, CT 06320

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