Niki Palikaris

Niki Palikaris, 100, of Lafayette fell asleep in the Lord on September 9, 2025.
Born the first of six children on April 1, 1925 to the late Theodore and Athanasia Kapopoulos Neckopulos, she was raised in Diavolitsi, Messinia, Greece. She finished high school there and wished to become a teacher. World War II disrupted their lives for four years and then a hostile civil war for two more years. The Nazis gave them 24 hours to leave their home so they could use it as their village headquarters. Her stories of that six-year period continued endlessly.
The family left Greece in January 1947 and came through Ellis Island to America. They settled in Kankakee IL where she met, love at first sight, Angelo Palikaris. They married in January 1952 and moved to Lafayette. Niki never knew a stranger. She was accomplished at doing many things and inspired many people. She loved gardening, travelling, cooking, baking, and setting beautiful tablescapes for her guests. She was fiercely proud of her Greek heritage and Orthodox faith. She became an accomplished seamstress at Loeb's Department Store and Department Head for Alterations for over 25 years.
She was a member of St. Alexis Orthodox Church in Battleground IN and Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Carmel IN.
Surviving is a daughter, Angela Palikaris, of Lafayette and several nephews, a niece, and godchildren. Niki was a "Greek Mama" to many, always opening her home for dinner and lending a listening ear.
Visitation will be 5-7 pm Friday, September 12 at St. Alexis Orthodox Church at 2115 SR 225 East, Battleground IN. Trisagion will be around 6:45 pm. Funeral services will be held at 10 am Saturday, September 13 at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Kankakee IL with interment at Mound Grove Cemetery in Kankakee.
Memorial contributions can be made to St. Alexis Orthodox Church or Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral.
She was preceded in death by a beloved daughter Athanasia (Ann) Palikaris and brothers Aristedes, George, Leonard and sisters Kalliroi and Haralamia.
The greatest gratitude goes to the Springs of Lafayette for their staff's amazing love and care during her stay there.
MAY HER MEMORY BE ETERNAL. Share memories and condolences online at www.hippensteelfuneralservice.com