Ann Simopoulos

Memory Eternal: Anthoula "Ann" Simopoulos

February 8, 1935 – November 28, 2025

Anthoula "Ann" Simopoulos, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2025, in Troy, Michigan, at the age of 90. Born on February 8, 1935, in the village of Karteres, Greece, Ann was the youngest of four children born to Isaak and Erifili Ayanoglou. From an early age, she was surrounded by deep traditions, strong family bonds, and a rich culture that shaped her remarkable life.

Growing up in Greece alongside her parents and siblings, Ann learned the values that remained at the heart of who she was: devotion to family, faith in God, the importance of hard work, and the joy found in simple, everyday acts of love. These values would guide her throughout her life and become her legacy.

In February of 1957, Ann married the love of her life, Nickolas Simopoulos. Ann and Nick were childhood friends who grew up alongside one another in Karteres, Greece, and from the moment they met, they were soulmates destined to be together. Their marriage was a true partnership-rooted in love, respect, and shared dreams. Together they welcomed three children: William, Phyllis, and Isaak. Ann devoted herself entirely to her family, pouring her heart into creating a warm, nurturing home. She was a present and attentive mother, always striving to give her children the best she could. Everything she did was an expression of love.

In August 1967, Ann and Nick made the courageous decision to immigrate to the United States, seeking greater opportunities for their young family. They arrived through Kennedy Airport and went to Detroit, Michigan, where they worked tirelessly to build a new life. Their journey took them from Detroit to Holiday, Florida, and then back to Michigan, where they lived in Grosse Pointe and later Harper Woods, remaining there until Nick's passing in 2015. Though far from the homeland they cherished, Ann brought the spirit of Greece with her-through her traditions, her language, her cooking, and her unwavering strength.

A trilingual and multicultural woman, Ann seamlessly navigated between Turkish, Greek, and English. She spoke Turkish with her parents, Greek with her family and community, and English as she built her life in America-often switching between all three with ease. Her ability to communicate across languages was one of many expressions of her intelligence, adaptability, and vibrant mind.

Her kitchen, however, was where her heart shone brightest. Ann was an exceptional cook who loved preparing traditional Greek dishes and feeding anyone who walked through her door. Family gatherings and holidays were always time for grand feasts, but even an ordinary weekday could become a celebration when Ann was cooking. Every dish she made brought comfort, the kind of food that warmed the soul and had everyone asking for just a little more. She believed that a warm meal was an expression of love-and no one ever left her home hungry. Ann's food nourished not only the body but the soul, bringing comfort, joy, and togetherness to all who tasted it.

Ann's talents were many, and she used them generously. She had an extraordinary gift for sewing, knitting, and needlepoint. Whether she was sewing clothes, knitting cozy sweaters, or crafting intricate needlepoint scenes, each piece she made was a labor of love. For a time, she shared her talents professionally as a seamstress at Nitsa Draperies & Blinds in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. She took great pride in her meticulous and beautiful work and often shared her work with her family.

Ann also found joy in tending to her garden, especially her beloved flowers. She had a special fondness for red roses, which she nurtured with the same care and devotion she gave her family. Her garden was a reflection of her spirit-colorful, warm, and full of life.

Faith was the cornerstone of Ann's life. She was a devoted member of Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Saint Clair Shores, Michigan, where she and Nick were active participants for more than twenty years. Her belief in God was deep and unwavering, and she took pride in belonging to the Greek Orthodox religion. She carried her faith with grace and passed its importance on to her children, raising them each in the church. She trusted fully in God's care and found comfort and strength in religion throughout her life.

Ann will be remembered for her generosity, her warmth, and her boundless love. She touched countless lives with her hospitality, her talents, her faith, and her selflessness. Her family was her pride and joy, and they, in turn, adored her beyond measure.

She is survived by her children, William (Denise) Simopoulos, Phyllis (Vito) Manzella, and Isaak (Lisa) Simopoulos; grandchildren, Anne (Ane) Matovski, Caitlin Simopoulos, Nicholas J. Simopoulos, Catherine (Robert) Barnowsky, Nicole Manzella, Nicholas I. (Courtney) Simopoulos, Elena (Nathan) Kaatz, Sophia Simopoulos, and Michael Simopoulos; great-grandchildren, George, Sofia, and Estelle; godchild, Anastasia Lianakis; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were blessed to know and love her. Preceded in death by her parents, Isaak and Erifili Ayanoglou; husband, Nick Simopoulos; and siblings John (Bessy) Ayan, Harry (Athena) Ayan, and Elizabeth (Nick) Arvanitides.

Visitation for Ann will take place on Monday, December 1, 2025, from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Bagnasco & Calcaterra Funeral Home, located at 13650 East Fifteen Mile Road, Sterling Heights, Michigan 48312. Trisagion to take place at 7:00 pm, on Monday, December 1, 2025, also at the funeral home.

Divine Liturgy for Ann will take place on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 10:30 am at St. John Greek Orthodox Church, located at 11455 Metro Parkway, Sterling Heights, Michigan 48312. A brief visiting period will take place at 10:00 am on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at St. John Greek Orthodox Church, until the time of the Divine Liturgy.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Panteleimon Chapel, 7143 Cedar Road, Lexington, Michigan 48450.

May her memory be eternal.