Melika Mossaides fell asleep in the Lord surrounded by her family. Melika was a loving mother and talented dressmaker who sewed evening gowns for many New York socialites and celebrities. Mrs. Mossaides was born in Russia to a Greek family with shipping interests in the Black Sea. Her family relocated to Greece after the Russian Revolution. She was the daughter of Michael and Polyxeni (Amyra) Antoniades. She immigrated to the United States after World War II to join her older sister. She met her husband Paul in New York City where he also joined an older brother; he died in 1991. She was predeceased by her twin brother Amyra, and two sisters, Marika Andronico and Parthenopi Sounaris.
Mrs. Mossaides is survived by her daughters Maria Mossaides and her husband V. Rev. Nicholas Apostola of Worcester, Paula Mossaides and Michael Miller of Atlanta, GA, and Christina and Paul Strassfield of Watermill, NY; seven grandchildren, Nicole, Dimitri and Sophia Apostola, Neil Miller, Zoe, Joseph and Peter Strassfield; and three great-grandsons, Arthur and Padraic Peterson, and Samuel Apostola, in addition to many nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Mossaides began her apprenticeship as a seamstress at age 12 and supported her family financially by 14. Denied an education due to economic circumstances, she was determined to ensure that her daughters were well-educated, and had the opportunities denied to her. All of her daughters hold post-graduate degrees.
When her daughters were young, Mrs. Mossaides ran a bridal and formal wear business from her home. She returned to work full-time as the head seamstress at Diana & Boris, an atelier on Lexington Avenue in New York City, where she counted the actress Joan Crawford as a client. Her gift to relatives and friends was often a custom- designed and hand-made wedding dress that reflected the young woman's personality. In addition to making her own wedding gown, Mrs. Mossaides made her daughters’ and granddaughters’ gowns, including the final gown created for her granddaughter’s wedding in 2011.
Mrs. Mossaides was a member of St. Nicholas Church of Shrewsbury, where her son-in-law is the pastor, and where she was know for her boundless generosity. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her honor to St Nicholas Church.
Her funeral is Saturday, November 24th with a service at 11:00 a.m. at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, 34 Gold Street, Shrewsbury. Burial will follow in Hope Cemetery, Worcester. Calling hours are Friday, November 23rd from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, 34 Gold Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545. O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue is directing arrangements.