Alexandra Hrousalas

April 21, 2017

Alexandra Hrousalas of Charlotte, NC, also lovingly known as Yiayia, died peacefully in her sleep on Friday, April 21, 2017 surrounded by family. She was born on April 15, 1915 in Vouno, Tripolis Greece, the daughter of the late Panayiotis & Evgenia Kyriazakos.

In September of 1939, she moved from Greece to Winnipeg, Manitoba to marry Peter Hrousalas. Along her journey, she survived the torpedo sinking of the Athenian ship at the beginning of World War II.

Yiayia embodied a fierce spirit of living life to the fullest with a strong will and independence. She was an active member of the Greek Orthodox Church communities in Winnipeg and Charlotte. She lived a Christ-centered life and was a woman of faith. She was an avid cook, baker, master gardener and her creative talents were many. In her true fashion, she was never empty handed and shared her signature horta (garden greens), koulouria, homemade bread and strawberry jam to many family members and neighbors. There was never a meal at her home that was ever thrown away and left over containers were always plenty!

Yiayia always emphasized the love and closeness of family and was a steadfast support to her daughter Toula’s family when they needed it most. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, neighbor and friend.

She was predeceased by her parents, husband, Peter Hrousalas, son-in-law, Thomas D. Keretsis, grandson, Robert Hrousalas, brothers, John and Thanasis Kyriazakos, sisters, Evangelia Futris, Eleni Koliopoulou, Bessie Coulolias and Marika Manolopoulou.

Survivors include her daughter, Toula Keretsis of Charlotte, NC, sons, Steve (Gayle) Hrousalas and Nick (Shelly) Hrousalas of Winnipeg, Manitoba; sister, Chrysoula Kelos of Toronto, Ontario. Grandchildren, Dean Keretsis, Alexia (Dean) Kalariotes, Peter (Angela) Keretsis, Catherine Keretsis of Charlotte, NC, Heather Hrousalas, Patricia (Dave) Armstrong of Toronto, Ontario and Tyler Hrousalas of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Six great grandchildren, Elias & Catherine Kalariotes, Thomas and Michael Keretsis of Charlotte, Hank Douglas, Lexi Armstrong of Toronto and many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express its deepsest gratitude to Dr. Peter Copsis for the wonderful care he provided over the many years and a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Brookdale South Charlotte, Coline Massey, Manya Jamkotchyan, Lisa Campbell Berry and Michelle Singletary.

The Trisagion and a Celebration of her life will be held on Monday, April 24, 2017 at 11:00 am at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. The Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery followed by a luncheon at Holy Trinity Cathedral. Visitation will begin at 10:00am.In lieu of flowers, memorials made be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral Building Fund, 600 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28203 or The Ivey, 6030 Park South Drive, Charlotte, NC 28210.

May Her Memory Be Eternal.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth Poe Funeral & Cremation Services, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204. Online condolences at www.kennethpoeservices.com. Phone: 704- 641-7606.

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  • Dino & Catherine Pappas

    We were sorry to hear of the passing of Thea Alexandra. We loved her very much and we have such fond memories of her when we were growing up in Winnipeg. She was always so kind and caring and loving. Toula, Steve, Nick and families, may you live a long, healthy life to remember her. May her journey be blessed and may her memory be eternal. All our love, Dino & Katina Pappas and Pat and John Russell---------Laguna Niguel, CA

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  • Jim Pappas

    Here is a salute to Mrs Hrousalas from an old family friend.
    She has lived past 100 as have her contemporaries my Aunt Chryse Castran and Evangelia Mercury. Imagine the fun they will be having when they are all reunited!!
    There are so many happy memories of the house on Tache, The Paris restaurant,Greek School, dances at the old Greek house on Edmonton...these thoughts fly past in a
    blink of an eye. From our childhood in the 1950s to today we have lived an amazing life under their scrutiny and guidance.
    Mrs Hrousalas was always a warm and loving person and used to feed us and lecture us in the same breath.
    What a panoply of the world she viewed from her harrowing arrival in Canada until; this day. Her memory will be eternal and those of us who knew her will never forget her.
    We were a privileged generation and must thank her for all the kindness she bestowed upon us. May she rest in peace.
    Jim Pappas

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