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Chris Joannou Obituary
After graduating from Maury High School in Norfolk and living abroad in London, England with family for two years, Chris's brother Tony introduced her to the man who would turn out to be the love of her life, Johnny S. Joannou. After two short weeks of dating, the two were engaged. Once married, they settled in Portsmouth, Virginia, where they spent the rest of their lives forming a bond with the community and its citizens while Johnny served in the Virginia State Legislature's 13th and 79th districts.
Chris had a truly generous and loving spirit, always putting others before herself. She loved spending her free time on the beach and had a sense of humor that could light up any room. Her selfless acts of kindness and compassion touched the lives of countless people, and she was always there to lend a listening ear or a helping hand to anyone in need. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends, who will always remember her infectious smile and unwavering kindness.
Chris is survived by her daughter, Dr. Stephanie Joannou Menefee; her granddaughter Athena; sisters Bess Decker and Helen Savalas; sister-in-law Ann Kolantis; nieces and nephews Katherine Townsend and husband Bill, Nicholas Savalas, Paula Savalas, Peter G. Decker, III and wife Dana, Paul Decker and wife Dana, Phillip Decker and wife Shannon, Tonia Kolantis and husband Todd Grissom, and Paul Kolantis; and sisters by heart Stella Christie and husband George, and Helen Burroughs and husband Larry; and many beloved grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins, and friends. She is predeceased by her parents Paul and Augusta Kolantis, husband Johnny S. Joannou, brother Anthony P. Kolantis, brother-in-law Peter G. Decker, Jr., and sister by heart, Katherine Wynberry.
There will be a Trisagion Service at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, May 4, at Foster Funeral Home, 1926 High St., Portsmouth. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Peter Decker Children's Charity at peterdeckercharity.com. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Chris Joannou
Sponsored by the family.
Tom and Anise Connor
May 2, 2023
We want extend our sympathy to Bess and the Decker family for the loss of the beautiful sister/aunt that was Chrisnow a beautiful spirit in Heaven. We’ve been thinking about you all upon hearing of her passing, and pray that you all will have peace in knowing she is at peace.
Ronald Williams
May 1, 2023
To the Family of Chris Joannou:
On behalf of the City of Suffolk Treasurer's Office, I want to extend to you our sincerest sympathy on the loss of Chris. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Ronald H. Williams, City Treasurer and Staff
Joyce Thomasson
May 1, 2023
To the family of Chris Joannou,
We have known each other for a long, long time and have always thought so much of each other. I am so sorry for your loss. My heart is with you. All my love, Joyce Thomasson
Sandy Pendorf (Mrs. Paul W. Pendorf)
April 30, 2023
From the first day it was hot enough to sit on the beach, to the last day we could squeeze it in, Chrissy and I would head out to Ocean View in my car with the top down to start on our tans! Our routine was twice a week, alternating who fixed the sandwiches and who brought the chips, cookies and the cooler of sodas. The only other things we needed were the mixture of Johnson's Baby Oil & Iodine and our paperback romance novels. Those were the good old days of sunshine, laughter, & girl-talk with a wonderful friend. I missed those days as we got older, but I still have the memories. Rest in Peace, Chrissy. Love, Sandy Pendorf
Mary George White
April 30, 2023
So sorry to hear about Chris's passing. She was a good friend to the family and a distant relative. Chris was a beautiful person in and out. May her memory be eternal.
Maha and Nabil Tadros
April 30, 2023
Our deepest Sympathy to the Decker and Joannou family.Chris will be dearly missed may her soul rest in peace and her memory be eternal .Maha and Nabil Tadros
Julie & Sandy Clifford
April 29, 2023
Our deepest sympathies to Stephanie and Athena, and Chris's family and friends. Wishing you peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow. We love you so much.
Holly Yates Ashberry
April 28, 2023
So sorry to hear this. Chris was our neighbor and a wonderful friend to my mother and family for years. She was such a sweet, kind, soft spoken and beautiful soul. She will truly be missed on this earth by so many. May her memory be eternal.
Ted and Maria Maroulis
April 27, 2023
Our condolences to the Joannou family on the passing of Chris, we hope and pray that she is now resting in the bosom of Abraham and may her memory be eternal.
Georgia and Charles Silkett
April 27, 2023
Our sympathies to the family on the passing of this beautiful loving mother, sister, aunt and friend to all who knew her. She will be greatly missed by all of the family as she was the light of life.
Betty McMurran
April 27, 2023
A beautiful woman, a beautiful soul, a huge heart, a faithful, fun friend. I shall always miss her.
Harriet Papadopoulos
April 27, 2023
May your memory always be eternal you will always be missed by us
Harriet Papadopoulos
Bernie Kirsch
April 27, 2023
My heart goes out to the family and many friends of Chris. She was beautiful in every way and will be missed by many friends.
May she be celebrated for her kindness and may she rest in eternal peace.
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B.W. Foster Funeral Home - Portsmouth1926 High St, Portsmouth, VA 23704
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