Aliki C. Karagiannes Obituary (1926 - 2014)

Aliki C. Karagiannes, 87, of Augusta, died Monday January 20, 2014 at her home with her loving husband by her side. She was born in Greece, September 4, 1926 the daughter of Alexander and Theodora (Kartsounis) Siola. She grew up in Greece and came to the United States at the request of her future husband, Christos. They were married in Montreal and recently celebrated 65 years of marriage. Aliki first worked for Hallowell Shoe but moved on to work with her husband at McClellan’s Store for seven years. They bought Christie’s Restaurant in 1953 and ran it until their retirement in 1988. Aliki loved to cook and made sure everyone was well fed. Each piece of mousaka, spanakopata, baklava and her Greek salad were a labor of love. “Where you are not just a customer but a friend” was not just the slogan for Christie's restaurant but also the way Aliki lived her life. Though the doors to Christie's restaurant closed in 1988, Aliki's kitchen remained open. Mrs. Karagiannes was known for her firecracker spirit.. She taught her family to be loving and loyal to each other. She was also very devoted to her church, where she enjoyed singing in the choir She was wise, strong and hard- working, taking on many roles at the restaurant as need dictated. “She was five feet tall with the presence of a giant”. Aliki was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother always putting the needs of other before her own. She was predeceased by her parents, her stepmother Lemonia Petsapoulos and her sister, Thalia Patsarekes. Aliki is survived by her loving husband, Christos; her daughter, Theodora C. Karagiannis and her husband, Dr. Emil Karagiannis, of Manchester, NH; her son, Michael A. Karagiannes and his wife, Heather, of Augusta; her sister, Ekaterina Gogas and her husband, George, of Grevena, Greece; her grandchildren, Aliki, Olga and Kristina Karagiannis and Alexander, Christos and Nicholas Karagiannes along with many nieces, nephews and cousins here and in Greece. Relatives and friends may visit at Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, One Church Street, Augusta, Sunday 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. with a service at 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Lewiston on Monday January 27, 2014 at 1:00 PM. Burial will be in the spring at Oak Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, P.O. Box 1344, Lewiston, Maine 04240. Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of our website at www.khrfuneralhomes.com