Vivian Koufogazos

Vivian (Fevronia) Pappas Koufogazos was born on January 29, 1928, in Pyli, Trikala, Greece. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, she lived a life defined by faith, sacrifice, and boundless love for her family. She was one of five children, with two sisters and two brothers, all of whom predeceased her.
In 1956, at the age of 28, Vivian immigrated to the United States as a single woman, honoring her father's dying wish that she become an American. She settled in Lowell, Massachusetts where she lived with her aunt and family. During those early years, she worked tirelessly as a seamstress in the factories while dedicating herself to earning her United States citizenship, which she proudly achieved after five years.
At the age of 33, Vivian returned to Greece with one clear intention, to find a husband who shared her desire to live and build a life in the United States. She met and married her beloved husband, the late Costas Koufogazos. Together, they shared a marriage of deep devotion and partnership that lasted 52 years.
She is survived by her loving sons, Thomas Koufogazos and his wife Tina, and Steve Koufogazos and his wife Helen. She was the beloved grandmother of four grandchildren, Costas Koufogazos, Vivian Koufogazos, Nia Koufogazos, and Vasiliki Koufogazos. Costas and his wife Megan are the proud parents of Eleni Koufogazos, Vivian's cherished great granddaughter who brought her immense joy.
Vivian was a deeply religious woman whose entire life was rooted in her unwavering Greek Orthodox faith. Her faith guided every action, every decision, and every kindness she extended to others. She was a gentle soul, loving and caring, and she never met a person who had anything unkind to say about her. To all who knew her, she was a saint in the truest sense of the word.
Her legacy lives on not only through the generations she leaves behind, but also through her granddaughters who carry her name. Her granddaughter Vivian, with whom she shared a uniquely close and tender bond, shares both her American and Greek name, and her granddaughter Nia carries a name drawn from Fevronia itself, a lasting tribute to the woman who shaped their lives and their family.
She shared a close bond with her grandson Costas, her first grandchild, who was named in honor of her beloved husband and held a uniquely special place in her heart. She also deeply cherished her granddaughter Vasiliki, the youngest of her grandchildren, whose loving and joyful spirit brought her great joy.
Vivian's life stands as a testament to faith, perseverance, humility, and love. She gave selflessly so that her family could have more, and she leaves behind a legacy that will continue to guide and inspire all who were blessed to know her.
The viewing will be on Monday, January 12th from 5-7pm at Curlew Hills Memory Gardens, 1750 Curlew Rd, Palm Harbor, FL. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 13th with a viewing from 10-11am followed by funeral service to begin at 11am at Saints Raphael, Nicholas, and Irene Greek Orthodox Church, Palm Harbor, FL. Interment will follow at Curlew Hills Memory Garden where she will be laid to rest beside her late husband, Costas Koufogazos.
In lieu of flowers please donate to Saints Raphael, Nicholas, and Irene Building Fund in memory of Vivian Koufogazos.