Janis Bakoplus Banos

Janis Bakoplus Banos, age 76, of Naples, Florida, passed away on July 8th after a brief and courageous battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy rich in family.
For 54 years, she was the beloved wife and partner to Len Banos, whom she met in grade school. Together, they built a life grounded in love, shared strength, and family. She was the proud mom of Jessica Burton and her husband Dan of Hopkinton, and Stephanie Dubanowitz and her husband Alex of Reading, and sister-in-law to George and Patricia, Christopher and Kristine Banos and aunt to many nieces and nephews. Of all the roles she cherished, none brought her more joy than being Yiayia to her grandchildren-Christopher, Avery, Josephine, and Sebastian.
Janis grew up in Lynn, Massachusetts, and was predeceased by her parents, Dionisios (Dennis) and Stella Bakoplus and brother Anthony. She was a product of the Lynn Public Schools, graduating as valedictorian of Lynn Classical High School in 1966. She went on to earn her bachelor's degree from Harvard University and later her MBA from the University of Washington- being the first in her family to attend college. Her career began in human relations at General Electric, but she reinvented herself midlife, eventually becoming a CPA and tax manager for a large, international accounting firm.
Janis was the heart and backbone of the home-juggling a career, raising two daughters, and running a tight (but loving) ship. From coordinating her daughters' activities to crunching numbers at tax time to tackling home improvement projects, she handled it all with her trademark grit, grace, and get-it-done attitude.
In retirement, she embraced the sunshine of Naples, Florida, finding joy in golfing with friends, building homes for Habitat for Humanity, and gathering with her book clubs-all while enjoying a well-earned slower pace alongside Len. Summers at Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire were filled with kayaking, hiking, boating, and fishing-activities she loved sharing and teaching to her grandchildren.
Religion and philanthropy were very important to Janis. She was a member of Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Andover and St. Katherines Greek Orthodox Church in Naples, was a member of the Leadership 100 Fund, and supported many women's causes.
Janis lived with humility, fierce intelligence, and unwavering love. She led not with words, but with action-and her legacy is felt in the lives she touched and the family she raised. She will be missed beyond words, remembered always, and loved forever.
Visitation for Janis will be held on Tuesday July 15, 2025 from 4-7PM at SOLIMINE FUNERAL HOME 426 Broadway (Rt129) Lynn. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 10AM at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 54 S Common St. Lynn followed by burial at Pine Grove Cemetery. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to please meet directly at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made, in lieu of flowers, to Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida www.hcfb.org or Habitat for Humanity of Collier County www.habitatcollier.org.