Angeliki Angelina Nikakis Nepolis
Angeliki “Angelina” Nikakis Nepolis, 101 years, 3 months and 23 days, passed away on November 28th, 2022 at home. She went gracefully and peacefully from this life, surrounded by the people whom she loved.
Born on August 6, 1921, in Halepa, Chania, Crete, to Costandinos and Sophia Nikakis (Vasiligionakis). She was raised in an area known as the “leather district” on the seaside waters of Chania. This lioness lived through a generation of time unlike no other. She survived World War II, the ensuing Greek Civil War and a global pandemic. She lived a difficult life during the war as the Germans kept her captive in her own home as they made it their headquarters. She was a strong figure of faith towards the future. Often at restaurants, patrons would buy her dinner as they were inspired by her longevity and her zest for her favorite activity, eating!
At the age of two, Angelina, as an only child, lost her father to the Greco-Turkish war. She was raised by her mother and lived in Chania, Crete. Angelina met George Nepolis in Gavalohori, Crete and subsequently they were married. They were separated during World War II, for five years, and eventually reunited and settled in Bingham, Utah. They raised three children (Gus, Sophia, George) until his death in 1957. She remarried to Costandinos Spyropoulos in 1963 and lived in Elko, Nevada, where they owned a small hotel business. They had one daughter, Constantina. Costandinos predeceased her in 2002. She lived with her disabled son, George. They were life long companions for over 67 years. Angelina was a single mother of four for most of her life.
Angelina worked for AJAX press in the late 50’s and early 60’s. She also worked as a seamstress at Holy Cross Hospital in Salt Lake City and was a community volunteer for seniors. This centenarian is known in the Greek Orthodox Community for her spirit and Cretan roots. She loved telling mandinathes (Cretan storytelling) and loved her favorite foods from her garden, (horta, “greens” with olive oil brought from her olive groves in Crete, and bamyes “okra”). She was a selfless lady and gave of herself to her children. Her favorite spot in the house was her south facing bay window that she would sit at and watch her Sugarhouse neighbors walk their dogs and often wave. The biggest joy we had as a family was driving up to the house and seeing her wave to us to hurry and come inside. She would greet anyone with a kiss on his or her hand. She was a loving lady. Her 100th birthday milestone made the local news https://bit.ly/3t4Tpr3
Angelina is survived by her four children: Gus Nepolis, Sophia Kavrakis Nepolis, George Nepolis, and Constantina Spyropoulos Linardakis; five grandchildren, Michaelis, Constantine, Angelina Linardakis, Emmanuel (Anna) and George (Demetra) Kavrakis, and six great-grandchildren- Asimina, Sophia, Yianni, Valia, Dessa, John Michael and one Shih Tzu, Agape.
The family would like to thank Renew Hospice, Gladys Munoz, her primary caregiver, who we always called “ A Saint” for her holistic wellness approach and loving patience. Also to her other caregivers who took the time to learn Greek, keep her safe and provide her a loving environment in her own home. Her home was full of life as the caretakers engaged with her. They played games together, cooked Greek traditional foods and watched the Greek TV channel.
We shall always remember our beloved “Manoula” and “Yiayia” for the courage and strength you gave us.
ΑΙΩΝΙΑ ΤΗΣ ΕΙΝΑΙ Η ΠΟΛΥΤΙΜΗ ΜΝΗΜΗ
A viewing and celebration of Anglelina's life will be on Tuesday, December 6, 2022, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South and 900 East, Salt Lake City. A Trisagion will begin at 4:30 pm. The Funeral Service will be on Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at 11:00 am at Holy Trinity Cathedral, 279 South and 300 West, Salt Lake City. She will be laid to rest at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 1342 East 500 South, Salt Lake City.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Cornerstone Campaign, in care of her name, Holy Trinity Cathedral, 279 South 300 West, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84101.