Carol G. Karis

Carol G. Karis
of Fitchburg; 99

FITCHBURG -- Carol G. (Karageorge) Karis, 99, of Fitchburg, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Thursday, March 27, at The Highlands.

Her husband of 44 years, George, died in 1990.

She is survived by her niece, Kyriakoula "Kiki" Karamanos, and her great-niece, whom she considered her granddaughter, Joanna Karamanou, both of Fitchburg.

She also leaves a sister-in-law, Hrisoula Karageorge of NY; her nieces and nephews, beloved godson, Basil Karageorge and wife, Silvania of NY, Eugenia Kosmopoulos and husband, Dimitrios of Pepperell, Bill Lekaditis and wife, Ellen of Lunenburg, Frances Katsiris and husband, Peter of AZ, Bill Karis and wife, Jeanne of MI, Tom Karis and wife, Kristi of MI, Helen Boukis and husband, George of NY, Eugenia Kalaitzides and husband, Chris of NY, Irene Papagiannakis and husband, Armodios of NY, George Lekaditis and wife, Chrysoula of Athens, Greece, Barbara LeBlanc of Somerville, Frances "Fran" Colon and husband, John of Somerville; nieces and nephews in her husband's family, including Harris Karis and wife, Nancy of Fitchburg, Marcia Pinault and husband, Paul of Fitchburg, Tony Karis and wife, Joyce of MI, and Paul Karis and wife, Maryanne of AZ; numerous great- and great-great nieces and nephews throughout the United States and in Greece.

Carol was born in Haverhill, a daughter of the late Vasilios and Golfo (Roumeliotis) Karageorge and grew up in her father's hometown of Labena in Messinia of the Peloponnese region of Greece. She was proud to be self educated, in both Greek and English.

Having survived the occupation of Athens during WWII, Carol repatriated to the U.S. and in 1946 married the late George A. Karis at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. A woman of great faith, Carol was active in the church community and a member of the philanthropic Elpis Ladies' Society. She retired from Fitchburg Woolen Mills in 1965. A creative and talented woman known for her intricate crochet designs and all-around handiwork, Carol was also an avid gardener who was always able to grow, nurture, and tend tremendously abundant flower gardens. She loved animals, and always had a beloved pet at her side.

The family would like to extend their most sincere and heartfelt thanks to "Yiayia's" caretakers, and all of the staff at The Highlands.

In addition to her parents and her husband, George, Carol was also predeceased by her siblings, Panagiota Tzenis, Alexander Karageorge, Anastasia Stasinos, Georgia Karis, and Theodora Lekaditis, and her niece, Virginia Oikle.

KARIS -- The funeral will be held from Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Rd., on Wednesday, April 2, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, April 1, from 5-7 PM at the funeral home. Flowers may be sent or memorial contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 1319 Main Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420.