Photo courtesy of Woodlawn Funeral Home - Cranston
Cranston, Rhode Island
Mar 3, 1929 – Oct 19, 2017 (Age 88)
Efthymia “Effie” Tavlas Christelis of Cranston, Rhode Island passed away suddenly on October 19, 2017. Beloved wife of Constantine “Dean” G. Christelis, she was born in Worcester, Massachusetts on March 3, 1929 to Dionysius “Denis” Tavlas and his wife, Athina Petralias, both of Divry, Greece. She was a graduate of North High School in Worcester, MA and Endicott College in Massachusetts. After meeting her husband, she moved to Rhode Island where she raised her three children in Cranston and supported her husband as he built his business. Effie was “Yiayia” to more than just her grandchildren and anyone who met her will never forget her formidable presence, loving heart and quick sense of humor. She enjoyed reading, travelling, the beach, antiques, entertaining and, for many years, boating on Narragansett Bay. She also had a great interest in the stock market throughout her life, a passion that began when she was just 16. She had been a member of the East Greenwich Yacht Club and the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. She is survived by her loving husband Dean and their three children, Elaine (Christelis) Sardella and her husband, Dr. Peter Sardella, of Cranston, RI, Gary Christelis and his wife, Doris (Constantinides) Christelis of Sudbury, Massachusetts, and Deena (Christelis) Ethridge of Dover, Massachusetts (wife of the deceased Reginald Ethridge). She leaves behind eight grandchildren that she spoiled with Tootsie Rolls, chocolate chip cookies and veal stew - Alex, Mia & Steven Sardella, Tino and Alexi Christelis, and Christopher, Theoni and Sophia Ethridge. She also leaves behind her siblings, Tina Tavlas Demopulos of North Providence, RI, Martha Tavlas Iazzetti of Naples, FL and George Tavlas of Athens, Greece, and her sister-in-law, Evelyn Rae of Warwick, RI in addition to many loving nieces and nephews. There will be a private burial service and the family asks that donations in her memory be made to the Christelis Goya Fund care of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church,, 175 Oaklawn Ave., Cranston, RI 02920.
So very sorry to hear of Mrs. C's passing. Our very deepest condolences to the entire Christelis family. We cherished her friendship and so much more..
May God bless her soul.
The Kalian's
Mark Kalian
October 23, 2017 | Cranston, RI
Dear Christelis family, I am so incredibly sorry to hear of your great loss. Your mom was always such a joy to be around and I always enjoyed seeing her at church and catching up. She was always smiling and full of love. Please know I am keeping you close during this most difficult time. With love and my deepest sympathy,
Alexis Demetrakas Buchholz and family
October 23, 2017
I am so sorry to hear of my Nouna's passing.
We had many good times at Christmas parties, beach house and visiting after school.
Jim Vose
October 23, 2017 | Cranston, RI
Please accept our deepest feelings at Effie's passing. Many a great time and a laugh were enjoyed with her. She will be missed.Stay strong.
Dick & Debbie Booth
October 23, 2017 | Sarasota, FL
Dean, Elaine, Gary, and Deena, Please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of Effie! She was a dear friend to our family, and Lil especially for so many years. She will be in our thoughts and prayers as all of you will. Susan Hetrick (Lil Kearns' daughter) and children.
October 22, 2017
Elaine, Peter and family; So very sorry to hear of your loss. We will keep you in our prayers
Michael Battey
October 22, 2017 | East Greenwich, RI
Sending our sincerest sympathy. We shall always remember Effie's kindness, interest in all and deep love for her family.She was so very proud of her children and grandchildren. Effie and Dean had so many friends and shared many beautiful memories and vacations with my late parents. I shall always remember the elegant holiday parties at her Cranston home years ago. We shall miss her very much and were honored to have her as our family friend. May her memory be eternal.
Eleni Pappas Zervos
October 21, 2017 | Narrragansett, RI | Family Friend
Dean, Gary, Elaine and Deena
So sorry to hear about your loss. Haven't seen you or Effie in years, still have pleasant memories of Effie and all of you.
Burt Abrams
October 21, 2017 | Naples, FL
Elaine and family We are so saddened by your loss..we recall so many sweet stories of Effie. She is now an angel watching over all of you. With Love and sympathy Steve Patti Alexa and Mitch Lucci
Patti Lucci
October 21, 2017 | Hope, RI
