Alexandra Koletsos

It is with profound sorrow and extremely heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, our “Manoula,” Alexandra Koletsos, who departed this life on September 7, 2025, at the age of 73.

Surrounded by her loving family in her final days, Alexandra was someone whose faith always guided her. She cherished every moment with loved ones and made life brighter for all who crossed her path.

The daughter of Stellios and Sophia (Papadopoulos) Hamalidis, Alexandra was born in Agios Loukas, Nomos Pellas, Greece, on October 20, 1951. She married Alex Koletsos in 1969 and moved to the U.S. that same year, eventually settling in Norwalk, CT. She dedicated her working years to the restaurant business, where she worked alongside family and friends, greeting everyone with a cheerful “good morning!” and a radiant smile.

Her greatest joy was raising her children and grandchildren. She loved baking for the community—sharing her tsourekia and pites with everyone in town—and hosting coffee dates for friends. She had a deep love for music, especially Pontiaka, and her home was always filled with song, laughter, and the scent of fresh baked goods. Wearing her apron, often with a rolling pin in hand, she would sing and dance around the kitchen, her bright smile and infectious energy lifting everyone’s spirits.

Summers in Greece held a special place in her heart. She loved visiting her sister Dimitra, with sister Chrissi often joining from Boston, and gathering in their village of Agios Loukas to catch-up with family and friends, reminisce, share a coffee, and most importantly, show her children—and later her granddaughters—the roots she cherished so deeply, as she was extremely proud of who she was and where she came from.

Our mother was selfless, caring, and endlessly giving. She touched everyone she met with her warmth, generosity, and love. Deeply devoted to her faith, she found joy in attending St. George Greek Orthodox Church of Norwalk, where she prayed for God’s blessings upon her children, grandchildren, and everyone in the world. Holidays at her home were unforgettable—filled with food, laughter, music, dancing, and the happiness of simply being together.

Her greatest love was reserved for her granddaughters, Alexandra and Ioulia, who were the light of her life. She dressed them in frilly dresses, baked with them, sang to them, played with them, and passed down the language, customs and traditions of our Greek heritage, along with the Orthodox faith she so cherished. She celebrated every one of their accomplishments, big or small, and poured her heart into them with boundless pride and devotion.

Her love extended beyond her family; she was always ready to listen, lend a hand, share empathy, and brighten someone’s day with her smile. She was the person everyone cherished having around—the one who made you feel better simply by being there.

Alexandra is survived by sisters Chrissi Kyriakidis and Dimitra (Andreas) Petridis; her beloved children, Alex Koletsos Jr., Rose Koletsos, Andreas Koletsos, and Sophia Guzman; her cherished son-in-law, Christopher Guzman, whom she loved as her own; and her two adored granddaughters, Alexandra and Ioulia Guzman, who treasured their Yiayia beyond measure. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Stergios (Sofia) Koletsos; sister-in-law, Athina (Loukas) Koletsos; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. She was predeceased by both parents, Stellios and Sophia Hamalidis and both her brothers, Xristos (Kaiti) and Theodoros (Georgia) Hamalidis. She was also predeceased by the father of her children, Alex Koletsos, as well as her brother-in-law Loukas Koletsos (Athina) and her brother-in-law and his wife, George and Frideriki Koletsos.

Though no longer with us, our mother’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Her love, strength, and spirit will be deeply missed and always cherished. We will honor her legacy by living fully, caring deeply, and carrying forward her faith and joy.

Our family wishes to thank everyone for their overwhelming love, kindness, and support during this difficult time.

Services will be held at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 238 West Rocks Rd, Norwalk, CT, on Friday, September 12th. Viewing will begin at 9 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at St. John Cemetery, Norwalk.

Parking instructions for services at the church:Due to the parking lot being in use during this time, please turn on Bayne Street and use the lot at the Lighthouse Baptist Church on 4 Bayne Street to park.If you need to be dropped off in front of the church, please use the church entrance off Bayne Street to do so.