Efpraxia Hatzipapafotiou

Effie was born in Larisa, Greece on 15 March, 1961 to Andreas and Theognosia Bouikidis. She was their first child. She came to the US in 1966. Her studies took her to Villanova University, where she graduated in 1983 with a BA in English Literature and Education. She taught Greek language at the Greek Schools of St. Demetrios Church and Academy of Aristotle.

She married Dimitri Hatzipapafotiou in 1982, and had two daughters Georgia and Alexia in 1985 and 1989, respectively.

Effie’s passing was due to complications of Breast Cancer, which originally occurred in 2000, and unfortunately recurred just a few months ago. She was extremely brave, as she fought hard, very hard, without any reservation and with endless amounts of optimism.

We want to remember Effie for the type of person she was. She was a devoted wife to Dimitri, a loving mother to Georgia and Alexia, an exceptional daughter to Andreas and Theognosia, a loyal sister to Stella and Anthimos, and a wonderful friend to many people.

Her pride and joy were her daughters Georgia and Alexia. She raised them with loving care and our traditional values, and was extremely proud of their accomplishments. Her world was highlighted by a tremendous love of family!

Effie loved to travel, so with Dimitri, Georgia and Alexia she travelled to many interesting places; something she always looked forward to and took joy in planning. And she loved Greek pop music. Her favorite song was “Πες μου που πουλάν καρδιές”.

She may have seemed a little reserved to the world, but for those of us who knew her up close, she was warm, loving, caring, sincere, and full of life.

We will forever remember her beautiful smile, distinct laughter, no nonsense wit, fearless spirit, and her absolute love of life!

There is no question that with her passing we feel a great loss, and pain in our hearts. But while we will miss her terribly, we are comforted by our Christian faith, and our certainty that we will see her again. So, we wish her “Καλό Παράδεισο, και καλή αντάμωση”.

And we wish to send this final message: “Effie, never forget that Love lasts forever”!