Vasiliki Sapanas Pribas

July 23, 2017

Vasiliki (Koula) Pribas, 74, of Charlotte, NC, passed away on Sunday, July 23, 2017, surrounded at home by her loving family.

Koula was born on June 7, 1943, to Antigone Koutras Sapanas and the late John Sapanas in Agios Nikolaos, Evrytania, Greece. She immigrated to this country in 1964 after marrying John Pribas.

Eager to begin her new life in the United States, she successfully learned a new language, customs and traditions while preserving the family’s Orthodox faith and Greek heritage. She dedicated herself to raising her children while supporting her husband in establishing a successful business, The Ole Smokehouse restaurant. She set high standards for herself and her children, and was a constant model of kindness, grace and strength. She greatly appreciated the encouragement and support she received when she arrived to this country and did the same for others.

Koula was the most wonderful Yiayia to her grandchildren and played an integral role in their lives. She freely offered her words of wisdom and was their biggest cheerleader while attending church, school and sports activities. She played cards and backgammon with them and was unafraid to demonstrate her competitive spirit. Watching college basketball games was one of her favorite hobbies with them.

One of the ways Koula expressed her love to all around her was through her cooking and baking. She showered her family, friends, neighbors and co-workers with delicious meals that drew everyone to her home. She prepared her famous baklava for many years at the Ole Smokehouse.

For over 50 years, Koula faithfully served her Greek Orthodox Church community. She spent countless hours with her close friends baking pastries for the Greek festival. Koula also enjoyed spending time at the Elatos Chapel caring for the beautiful sanctuary. She visited shut-ins and was an active member of the Daughters of Evrytanian Association and the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society.

Koula was predeceased by her loving husband of 50 years, John Pribas, in 2014. She is survived by her mother Antigone Sapanas of Greece, her devoted sister, Ismini Kolonias (Vasilios) of Greece; children, Maria Diamantis (Michael) of Charlotte, NC, Ann Papastrat (Jon) of Atlanta, GA, and George Pribas (Carrie) of Atlanta, GA. Koula will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren Dean, Jonathan, Matthew, Christina Pribas, Christina Diamantis and John. Survivors also include Nick & Demetra Sitaras and family, Demetra Sitaras and family, John and Fran Dross, Nick and Stella Matalas and Koula Litchos as well as many godchildren, nieces and nephews in Charlotte and Greece.

The Trisagion service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 26, 2017 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, July 27, 2017, at the Cathedral. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.

Pallbearers for the service will be Jonathan Diamantis, Matthew Diamantis, Nick Dross, George Holevas, Dennis Kastriches, Sam Kastriches, Dean Papastrat and John Sitaras.

The family is very grateful to Dr. Reza Nazemzadeh, Dr. Peter Copsis and Dr. Christie Chaconas and the team of “angels” at the Levine Cancer Institute for their love and support through Koula’s illness.

Memorial donations may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 600 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC, 28203 or Panagia Proussiotisa Elatos, c/o Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral.

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

Share your memories & condolences

Comments

  • Bessie & Constantine Vrettos

    Dear George, Carrie, Maria, Michael, Ann, Jon and families,

    We were so sorry to hear of your mother/grandmother's passing. She was a very warm, loving and caring lady and will be missed! We where away and are sorry to not have been able to be with you during this sad time. May her memory be eternal! Sincerely, Bessie and Costa Vrettos