Elaine Karabetsos

With deep sorrow, the family of Elaine Karabetsos announces her passing on March 30, 2025, at the age of 95.

Elaine was born on July 26, 1929, in Pittsburgh, PA, to Louis and Katina Palafoutas, Greek immigrants who hailed from Stemnitsa and Chios, respectively. They instilled in her a love of heritage and community. Her mother, progressive for those years, encouraged Elaine to embrace diverse friendships, including dating non-Greek boys, unheard of at the time.  In high school, Elaine was an active and vibrant student—cheerleading, serving on the yearbook committee, performing in theater productions, and singing in the St. Nicholas Cathedral Choir, a passion she carried on at St. Luke in Broomall.

In 1950, Elaine married the love of her life, Nickolas, and together they built a beautiful life, sharing nearly 70 years of marriage. They raised two children, George and Kathy, and Elaine dedicated herself to her family and community. She was a devoted volunteer, serving as an MN Band Parent, a GOYA advisor, and later as the leader of the St. Luke Senior Women’s Group. Professionally, she worked as an executive secretary until retiring at age 72.

Elaine’s greatest joy was her family. She and Nick were deeply involved in the lives of their grandchildren, enthusiastically supporting them at sporting events, concerts, and theater performances. Later, she delighted in the arrival of her seven great-grandchildren.  Although it wasn’t possible to see her great grandchildren often,  she was lovingly embraced as “Yiayia” by the dining room staff at Dunwoody, where she spent her final years. Their kindness and care enriched her last chapter, and many continued to visit her until the very end.

Elaine’s warmth, devotion, and spirited nature will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her loving son George (Mary) and Kathy (Chris) Polites and grandchildren Constantine (Deborah), Katina (Justin), Helena (Maddy), Aristotle (Ashley), Andrea (Anton), Nicholas (Brittany) and great grandchildren, Owen, Augie, Delphi, Darla, Cassidy, Jude, and Levi. She is predeceased by her parents and her brother John L. Palafoutas.

Friends and family are welcome to attend her viewing from 10am to 11am, Friday, 4-4-2025, at St. Luke Greek Orthodox Church, 35 N. Malin Rd, Broomall, Pa 19008.  Her funeral will be 11am in church.  Her interment will be private.

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