Margaret Kolovos

Margaret Kolovos, 85, of Franklin Lakes and formerly of Epirus, Greece, passed away on Monday, September 29, 2025.

Margret Kolovos, born in Epirus, Greece, on November 26, 1939, embarked on a journey to the United States in March 1952. With her mother, Eftehia, and brother, Constantine(Gus), she arrived to be reunited with her father, John Kolovos, in Hell's Kitchen, New York, and later on, the Inwood Section of New York. As more of their Greek family joined them over the years, their tight-knit family circle expanded. She cherished these deep connections with many aunts, uncles, and cousins, a bond that strengthened and supported her throughout her life.

Margaret has entered eternal rest, leaving behind her cherished son, James Moustopolous. She and Jimmy lived in Fort Lee and then moved to Franklin Lakes, where she resided until her death. There she could be found gardening, crocheting, and baking. From warm spring mornings all the way to cool fall afternoons, you would find her tending to her flowers. She would wear her straw hat and wave to you from where she was perched in her flowerbeds. Each flower was cared for and loved for its unique beauty. Bulbs were saved each year to ensure their legacy of beauty would continue.

A dedicated parishioner of Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Wyckoff, NJ, Margaret was an active and devoted member of Philoptochos and Daughters of Penelope. She built many dear friendships through her involvement in these organizations. She baked her love into every koulourakia (traditional Greek butter cookie) she made. Many will recall her teaching sessions, where she passed on the art of twisting the dough just right-a perfect reflection of her precise and committed character.

Margaret was also part-owner of The Fisherman Restaurant in Saddle Brook, NJ. There she worked alongside her brother Gus to make the restaurant not only a success but also a place for family and friends to gather. Over the years, customers became friends and workers became like family.

Margaret's world revolved around her family, whether they lived next door, close by, across the country, or in Greece. She generously shared her gift for cooking and baking, and her home was always a place of warmth and welcome, ensuring no one ever left hungry or without a delicious treat. She and her mother were often found together, creating beautiful knitted and crocheted pieces. With Jimmy by her side, she hosted countless holiday dinners, filling the room with laughter, love, and stories of their Greek heritage. Her unique humor and her beautiful way of showing affection were gifts to all who knew her.
Margaret's deep faith led her to be a Godmother (Nouna) to many, including her cherished Godchildren, Renee DuBarton, Effie Kolovos, and John Kolovos.

Demonstrating her commitment to her faith, Margaret honorably served as Godmother to her sister-in-law, Eleanor, and to Tina Gourometsios, the wife of her cousin, Tommy. She is also remembered with great affection by her great-nieces and nephews, Ashley, Justin, Ella, Cassidy, and Dean.

Margaret's legacy of devotion, commitment, and strong religious and cultural ties lives on in all those she touched. She will be dearly missed by her son, Jimmy; her brother, Gus, and his wife, Eleanor; her Godchildren; her great-nieces and nephews; her cousins; and her many family members and friends, all of whom carry with them the spirit of her life.

The family will receive friends on Monday, October 6, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., with a Trisagion Service starting at 7 p.m. at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, www.vpfh.com, 257 Godwin Ave. Wyckoff, NJ.

On Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church 475 Grandview Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ, there will be a viewing starting at 10 am. Immediately following at
11 am, a Funeral Service will be celebrated.

Interment will follow at George Washington Memorial Park, 234 Paramus Road, Paramus, NJ 07652.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like people to donate to one of the charities close to Margaret's heart: Fifth District AHEPA Cancer Research Foundation, Inc. at https://fifthdistrictahepa-crf.org/memorials.html or to St. Nicholas's Benevolent Fund, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 475 Grandview Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ.