Despina Mary Elias

It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of our mother Despina Mary Elias on November 1, 2013. She was born October 3, 1923 in Los Angeles, California. Despina (Yiayia to all who knew her) was born to James and Vasiliki Tsarikos, Greek immigrants from the Island of Marmara. She attended Freemont High School in East Los Angeles. In June of 1942, at the age of 18, she married the love of her life, George James Elias and moved to San Pedro. In 1955, they purchased a home by the sea, spending the rest of their lives raising four children. Despina was widowed by her husband George in 2004. She was the proud mother of James (Charlene) Elias of Washington, Eric (Lynda) Elias of Stockton, Stacie (Gary) Fiamengo of San Pedro and Vaso (Dave) Michel of Rossmoor. She was a loving Yiayia to George Elias (Debbie McLallin), Nanette (Daniel) Smith, Brandy (Terry) Rise, Alex (Kim) Elias, Thomas (Nicole) Fiamengo, Alexandria Fiamengo and Goran Jovicic, David Michel, Erik (Jennifer) Michel. Yiayia leaves behind 14 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. Despina retired from management at KFC in 1979 and spent the rest of her life caring for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She always said her life was truly blessed because of her family. Family was her greatest joy. She also was mother to many of her children's friends who needed a place to live, stay or just be loved. She was a woman always ready to take care of another or just be supportive and listen. Despina gave so much love to everyone who crossed her path. The aroma of fresh baked chocolate chip cookies greeted all who entered her home. Her spirit, love for her family, gratitude for all the people in her life and her faith in God made her the most affectionate, caring and truly blessed human being. She thanked God everyday for her family and always made sure they knew how blessed she was. She was a proud member of the Daughters of Penelope, St. Katherine's Seniors, The Marmarinon Society of Afthoni, Retiree UFCW, and Volunteer San Pedro Peninsula Hospital. Trisagion is Sunday, November 10, 2013, 4:00pm at Green Hills Chapel. Funeral Service is Monday, November 11, 2013, 11:00am at St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, Redondo Beach, followed by the Makaria meal at noon. Interment will then follow in Green Hills Memorial Park.

Funeral Home:
Green Hills Mortuary and Memorial Chapel
27501 S.Western Ave.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
US 90275