Enjoyed crocheting, needlepointing and gardening
SAUGUS — Despina Alexandrou, a longtime resident of Saugus, passed away at home with her family by her side on Monday, January 15, 2024. Despina was the beloved wife of Gregory Alexandrou with whom she was married 55 years.
Despina was born in Mantamados, Lesvos, Greece on March 1, 1948. She was the daughter of the late Alexandros and Maria (Samara) Andreola. Despina emigrated to the United States in 1969. Before starting their family, she worked as a seamstress, having completed trade school in Greece. In the years that followed, she and Gregory went on to own and manage several restaurants in the area, including Omega Pizza in Lynn and Casa Mia in Melrose.
Despina’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who was selfless in sharing her time, talents and teachings. She fostered a strong sense of family, faith and Greek traditions above all else. She was exceptional at Greek cooking and baking and always looked forward to family dinners and gatherings at her home. She also enjoyed crocheting, needlepointing and gardening. Over the years, she crafted many handmade gifts that are treasured by friends and family. In her retirement, she enjoyed spending summers in Mantamados, enjoying time at her childhood family home and visiting with family and friends.
Despina is survived by her children, Constantina and Wesley Campbell of Nashua, N.H.; Maria and Nicolas Sfikas of North Reading; and Stella and Alexander Karafilidis of North Reading, as well as her grandchildren, Christian and Alexis Vachon, Despina (Pia), Stelios (Theo) and Alexandra Sfikas, and Maria (Mia) and Sofia Karafilidis.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, January 20 at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 54 S. Commons St., Lynn at 11 a.m. Visitation for relatives and friends were held prior to the service from 10 to 11 a.m. at St. George. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Despina’s name to the family and will be put toward a memorial fund for Taxiarches Church of Mantamados, Lesvos Greece.