ALEXANDRA HROUSALAS

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ALEXANDRA HROUSALAS April 15, 1915 - 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 and 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 the Second World War. 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 neighbours. There was never a meal at her home that was ever thrown away and leftover 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, neighbour 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; six great- grandchildren, Elias and 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 deepest 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 was held on Monday, April 24, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. The interment was at Evergreen Cemetery followed by a luncheon at Holy Trinity Cathedral. Visitation began at 10:00 a.m. 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

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 27, 2017