Zaharenia Kouris

Zaharenia Kouris, born September 24, 1923 died peacefully in her home on January 14, 2024, in San Leandro, CA.
A true coal miner's daughter, she was born in Superior, Wyoming and daughter of George and Eugenia Vallis. Her parents emigrated from the Greek island of Crete (Chania) to the United States in 1920. She had two older siblings Ted and Athena (Manatos).
As a youth, she recalled eating elk stew, roller skating with "my bloomers blowing in the wind," climbing up snowy hills for school and making friendships that stood the test of time.
In first grade, she did not hesitate to change her name from Zaharenia to "Catherine", wanting to have a simple name like the rest of her classmates. When she brought home her report card to be signed, her father immediately claimed Catherine was not his daughter and refused to sign.
Her parents taught her the importance of her Orthodox faith, love of family, social gatherings, and compassion for those in need. She was popular among her peers. Her vivacious personality landed her the honor of Jr. Prom Queen, class president, and a member of many school clubs before graduating from Superior High School in 1941. Shortly after finishing school, her family was forced to relocate to the more temperate climate of the Bay Area because her father was suffering from black lung disease. There, she officially changed her name to Zara, symbolizing a new beginning to her life.
Her first job was working at Macy's in San Francisco where she continued her love of fashion. Her clothes were always matched from hat, headband, nails to shoes. During this time, she anxiously awaited the return of her sweetheart Andreas "Andy" Kouris after completing his tour in the Air Force.
They were married on July 14, 1946 at the Greek Orthodox Church in San Francisco. There they lived until they bought their first home in San Leandro in 1953 where they raised their two daughters Carrie and Adrienne. Zara was a homemaker in the traditional sense of the word. She would complete her daily chores, prepare dinner for her family, and get dressed up in anticipation of her husband's return from work. Their family life was once described as "an episode of Leave it to Beaver," filled with a delicate combination of tough love and tenderness. Every Saturday night was date night which started with a dry gin martini, followed by dinner and dancing at many of the infamous SF nightclubs until the wee hours. Her many hobbies included oil painting, cooking, sewing, dancing, gambling, exercising with Jack LaLane, and spending time with her grandchildren.
She encouraged her grandchildren to sing and entertain, see the world, pursue their passions, take risks, live life to the fullest, and learn from their mistakes.
Zara was preceded in death by her husband Andy (1986), her parents, brother, and sister. She endured one day at a time with fortitude, taking solace in her family and those who helped her along the way until the very end. She passed surrounded by those she loved, a dignified end to a life well lived.
She is survived by her children, Carrie Spellman (Kevin) of Berkeley, and Adrienne Holland (Dave), of Lafayette. She is also survived by seven grandchildren Athan Bezaitis (Brittany), Margaret Cox (Stelios Kalivianakis), Andrea Holland, Jeff Spellman (Jillian), Erica Kartunen (Andrew), Andy Spellman (Alana), and Will Holland (Laura). She is also survived by eight great grandchildren Jordan Cox and Thalia Kalivianakis, Koralia Zara and Nikoletta Bezaitis, Maddy and Charlie Kartunen, Elia and Logan Spellman.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Trisagion Service, Monday January 22, 2024 7:00pm and funeral services Tuesday January 23, 2024 at 10:00am both services at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension, 4700 Lincoln Avenue, Oakland. For further information call, Harry Greer, Funeral Director (FDR-745).
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Zara's memory can be made to:
Ascension Philoptochos
4700 Lincoln Ave. Oakland CA 94602
*** Venmo: @Ascension Philoptochos
*** Checks can be made to: Ascension Philoptochos
American Macular Degeneration Foundation
PO Box 515
Northhampton, MA 01061-0515
1-888-622-8527
A Tree to Remember ~Memory Tree
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