Paraskevi (Tzuklaris) Mestanas, 101, died December 6, 2013 at the Ridgewood Center, Bedford, after a brief period of declining health.
She was born in Vithos, Macedonia, Greece on September 15, 1912 to Evangelos and Gianoula (Blades) Tzuklaris. She was a resident of Manchester for 78 years.
Mrs. Mestanas was a lifelong member of St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral. She enjoyed playing the piano and harmonica and was proficient at knitting, crocheting, fine bead work and made the best loukomathes! She especially enjoyed the sing-a-longs at Ridgewood Center where she lead her signature song "You Are My Sunshine," and time spent with her family. She was honored on her 100th birthday with a family reunion celebration bringing together family members from seven states.
She was predeceased by her husband, Michael N. Mestanas who died in 1964. She is also predeceased by four brothers, Nicholas, John, Andrew and Socrates Tzuklaris and her son in law, Stewart Dow.
She is survived by four children, Nicholas Mestanas and his wife, Jasmine, of New Jersey, Anne Dow of Manchester, Joanna O'Brien and her husband, Paul, of Manchester, and Frederick Mestanas and his wife, Stephanie, of Georgia; 14 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild; a sister in law Tula Tzuklaris of New Jersey; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
The family is grateful for the quality care she received from the staff at Ridgewood Center.
A funeral service was held on Monday, December 9, 2013 at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 650 Hanover St., Manchester. The Rev. Andrew Mahalares officiated. The burial is private at Pine Grove Cemetery, Manchester.
Memorial donations may be made to St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 650 Hanover St.,Manchester, NH 03104.