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BORN
1936
DIED
2022
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Despina Vasilarakos Obituary
Despina Vasilarakos, 86, of La Porte, Indiana, passed away Friday, Dec. 2, 2022, at Northwest Health-LaPorte.
She was born Oct. 28, 1936, in Distomo, Greece, the daughter of Nikolaou and Aspasia (Pergantas) Balagouras.
In 1956, after surviving the World War II tragedy of what was once her hometown, Distomo, Greece, she left for America, where she moved to the quaint town of Hammond, Indiana.
Not long after, on May 20, 1962, she married the love of her life, Gim Vasilarakos, who survives. They lived in Gary, Merrillville, and finally settled in La Porte, Indiana, in 1981. Together, they enjoyed traveling to their native home in Greece and hosting large family gatherings.
She is also survived by her daughter, Myra Vasilarakos of Chicago, Illinois; son, Tom Vasilarakos of Chicago, Illinois; brother, John Balagouras of Greece; sister-in-law, Irene Sfoundouris of Greece; loving godson, Nick Pergantinas of Lakemoor, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.
Despina was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Sophia Nikolaou and Eleni Tsitsopoulou; brother-in-law, Louie and Thespina Vasilarakos; and sister-in-law Maria and Mattheos Demakas.
Since 1962, she was an active member of the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral, as well as a member of the Patriotic Society Distomiton, and Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, Michigan City.
Aside from being a very religious and family-oriented woman and homemaker, Despina enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening, canning, baking and cooking.
For a while she worked at the family business, Louie's Cafe in La Porte, Indiana, creating the daily specials and the infamous Rosa Marina soup. She also enjoyed participating in bake sales at the local church.
Despina was a very sweet and kind woman who was loved by all who met her.
Arrangements are being entrusted to Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 602 Maple Ave., La Porte, Indiana. Services will be held at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Friday, Dec. 9, 2022, with visitation at 10 a.m. and service at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at the Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville, Indiana. A luncheon will immediately follow the interment at the Avalon Manor Banquet Center, 3550 E. Lincoln Hwy., Merrillville, Indiana.
Memorial contributions, in Despina's honor, may be made to the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 8000 Madison St., Merrillville, IN, 46410.
Online condolences may be made at www.haverstock funeralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Despina Vasilarakos
2 Entries
Amanda Armstrong
December 19, 2022
I worked at Louies Cafe for over 7 years and I was so honored to meet her. I had the opportunity to talk to her many times and she was always a very pleasant lady that anyone who met her automatically felt a friendly welcoming . I always looked forward to seeing her and being able to talk with her. I also loved her amazing baked goods that she would bring for us, she made the best baklava and wedding cookies that I've ever tasted . I'm so sorry Gim for you and your families great loss. You're all in my thoughts and prayers. She'll definitely be missed dearly. Love ya Gim
John DeMakas
December 5, 2022
My beautiful aunt who had a beautiful heart. I will miss her always. Trying to make a
John DeMakas
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Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services602 Maple Avenue, La Porte, IN 46350
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