Niki Speliotis

Kingston - Niki (Stavrianopoulos) Speliotis, 94, passed away Sept. 5, 2012, at Merrimack Valley Hospice House in Haverhill, Mass.

Born Oct. 23, 1917, in Lynn, Mass., she was the wife of Peter Speliotis, who died in 1989.

She leaves daughters Gayle Petrakis and her husband, Byron, of Kingston and Linda Kochis and her husband, Andy, of Severn, Md.; son Peter N. of Kingston; granddaughters Elayne Kochis and her husband, Ted Taylor, and Cassandra Petrakis Zwahlen and her husband, Chris; grandson Jason Petrakis; and five great-grandchildren. In a life full of accomplishments, Niki's greatest pride and joy was her loving family.

The daughter of Greek immigrants from neighboring villages in Messenia, Peloponnese, she was shaped by humble roots and a proud heritage. Her father, Efstathios P. Stavrianopoulos, was born in Eva; her mother, Angeliki Kalogeropoulos (Callas), in Lambaina.

Niki was never happier than when she was surrounded by her family or cultivating her garden. From her heart and with her hands, she created art through plants, homecooked food, crewel embroidery and interior design. Her artwork was appreciated by the countless people who visited her exquisite gardens, enjoyed her classic Greek recipes and admired her beautiful crewel work and holiday décor in the original, and internationally recognized, Kingston 1686 House Restaurant.

Sweet and gentle, yet strong and courageous, Niki was a loving and selfless mother and grandmother, and an inspiration to everyone - we will always love and miss her..

SERVICES: Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in her name to Merrimack Valley Hospice House, 360 Merrimack Street, Bldg. 9, Lawrence, MA 01843.

To sign the online guest book, please visit brewittfuneralhome.com.