Demetra Karapanagiotis Giannaras - Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory

Demetra Karapanagiotis Giannaras

Demetra Karapanagiotis Giannaras, 75, of New Castle, DE, and Brigantine, NJ, passed away in her sleep at the family home in New Castle.

She was born on October 21, 1938 in Athens, Greece and immigrated to the United States with her family in 1955. Demetra was educated in public schools in Greece, but quickly learned the English language upon her arrival in America. She married Vasilios J. Giannaras on April 24, 1960 in Wilmington, DE.

Demetra was a teacher’s and lunchroom aide at Carrie Downie Elementary School in New Castle where the students and teachers alike adored her. She was honored many times for her outstanding service at the school.

Demetra held memberships at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Wilmington, DE and at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Egg Harbor Township, NJ. She was a choir member and served faithfully in both parishes on Greek Festival Committees that prepared a variety of authentic Hellenic dishes.

An avid gardener, she had an uncanny ability to grow just about anything. In Brigantine her home won an award for best outstanding landscaping. She was a fabulous cook of Greek cuisine, and her forte was baking Greek desserts, particularly diples, which was her signature pastry. Her proudest accomplishment in life was helping her late beloved husband raise three outstanding sons.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Vasilios J. Giannaras and two brothers, Peter (Taki) and Michael Karapanagiotis.

Demetra is survived by her three children, John Giannaras (Paula) of Elkton, MD, Chris Giannaras of Abingdon, MD, and George Giannaras (Nikki) of Bethlehem, PA; two brothers, Athanasi (Tom) and Chris Karapanagiotis, both of Wilmington, DE; seven grandchildren, William, Joseph, Katharine, Nicholas, Alexander, Georgia, and Christopher Giannaras, as well as by a host of nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday morning, October 25, 2014, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 808 N. Broom Street, Wilmington, DE, where friends may visit with Demetra’s family from 9:00 am until 10:00 am. Interment will follow in Silverbrook Cemetery, Lancaster Avenue and DuPont Road, Wilmington, DE.

Flowers or memorial contributions can be sent to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 808 N. Broom Street, Wilmington, DE 19806 or to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 7004 Ridge Avenue, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234.

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14 Condolences for Demetra Karapanagiotis Giannaras

  • So sorry for your loss. Your mother will be missed by all. Cherish the memories and think of her often as you are getting through these difficult days to come.

    Love you all,

    Dottie

  • John, Chris, George and Tom and Chris and families. I cannot tell you how saddened I was when we heard the news last week. It’s almost a year for your dad/brother in law as well. She always lived life to the fullest and was always a very positive lady. Stay strong during this trying time. I don’t think I’ll be able to make it Saturday because I’m supposed be out of town. Please know that we’re with you in thought and prayer. Memory Eternal!

  • My deepest sympathy for the loss of your mother. When I think of Demetra, I see her always with a smile. She and your Dad were a great pair and the thought that they will be together should bring you comfort. May she rest in peace and may you live to remember her. She was very proud of all of you.

  • We were saddened to hear of the passing of Mrs. Giannaras, and extend our most sincere condolences. While we are unable to attend her services, please know that we will keep her family in our prayers.

    Sincerely,
    Edward “Mike” Rush, Jr. and Family

  • Our deepest sympathy and prayers for your family in this difficult time.
    Karen and Jim Giffing

  • Chris Karas and family,
    My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
    Mark Delmerico

  • Sadly, our ill health prevents us attending the funeral service for our dear relative Demetria. Always cheerful and pleasant at our family gatherings–we have many fond memories. May her memory be eternal! Our sympathy to the family. .

  • John, Chris, George and family,
    I am so very sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. She was such a loving friend to all of us and we will miss her deeply. Always happy and giving, she will take her wonderful sole to heaven with your Dad.
    I am deeply sorry that Michelle, Charlotte and I will be in Florida for the service and funeral, but our hearts will be there.
    We will always remember her smiling face.
    Much love and God bless,
    Maria and Bill Donald

  • Dear John and Family,
    I am so very sorry to hear of your dear mother’s passing and my heart goes out to you. We will keep her and the entire family in our prayers and thoughts as you go through this difficult time. Take care.
    Lynn and Brian Leffet

  • Our deepest condolences to Your family,
    Demetra and Basil were very dear friends to our family and we will miss them tremendously. Brigantine will not be the same without seeing Demetra’ smiling face strolling on the beach Our parentsTony and Josephine have lost two wonderful friends we consider ourselves very blessed to have known them both. Sharing stories about her family and Greece were something she loved to do. Her family was her greatest source of pride. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
    Mark andMaria Chalmers

  • I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I did not know your loved one personally, but I do know the pain of losing a loved one in death. It is my hope that you may find comfort from family and friends, and from “the God of all comfort” who can provide us with peace during such difficult times. – 2 Corinthians 1:3

  • John,Chris,and George

    I am so sorry to hear of your mothers passing,our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.

    Kevin and Mimi

  • You

    Dear John, Chris, George and families,

    It is with saddened hearts that we write this message Our most sincere sympathy to all of you and your families for this tragic loss. Demetra was unique in so many ways: She was always so full of love and brought laughter to every life she touched.

    If we saw Demetra, we knew Basil was not far behind. Their lives were so intertwined that they truly became ONE!! How can one say good-bye to a pair, who personified LOVE and JOY in everything they did. They enjoyed every situation and found good in everyone they met. Their kindness was universal.

    They were most proud of all accomplishments of their sons and grandchildren. Family was primary in their lives. They never missed an opportunity to be at family gatherings and always lit up the room with their entrance. They will forever look down on you walking hand in hand. Zoe se sas. May their memory be eternal.

    Heaven is a little brighter now that they are back together.

    Most of all the LOVED their FAMILY. They were proud of their sons and their families and accomplishments

    We saddened and shocked by the news of your special mother’s falling asleep in the Lord. She and your father will forever be in our hearts with warm memories at family celebrations. When they walked in to various occasions the whole room lit up and they

  • Dear cousins John, Chris, George and family,
    we so deeply shocked and sad about your mother.
    She was a wonderful lady and went to quick.
    She missed your dad very much and wanted to be with him.
    May her memory and smile be in your hearts forever.
    Cousins Rigo and Joyce