Aristea (Tranakas) Notidis, 86, died Wednesday, September 17th at home surrounded by her loving family.
She leaves her husband of 45 years, Demetrios Notidis; two children, Christos Notidis of Springfield and Athena Notidis-Curtiss and her husband, Justin of Holden; two brothers, Dionysus Tranakas and his wife Asimina of Athens, Greece, Spiro Tranakas and his wife Spiridoula of Zakynthos, Greece; a sister, Chrysanthi Maroudas and her husband Dionysus of Laval, Canada; two grandchildren, Demetrios and Konstantinos Curtiss; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by five siblings, Tasos Tranakas, Kosta Tranakas, Demetri Tranakas, Anthony Tranakas, and KatinaTranakas
Aristea was born in Zakynthos, Greece the daughter of Nicholas and Demetra (Byzanti)Tranakas, and immigrated to the United States in 1974. A dedicated and hardworking woman, she and her husband owned and operated the Southgate Restaurant in Leominster for 23 years until her retirement in 2005. Before her years in the restaurant business, she worked as a skilled seamstress at Newton Sportswear Company.
She was a devoted member of St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral and lived her faith through her kindness, generosity, and love for her family. Aristea had many passions and talents – she was an avid gardener tending to multiple flower beds with great care. Aristea and her husband cared for several vegetable gardens and fruit trees on their beautiful property and home they built together. She created beautiful clothing as a talented seamstress, and later in life took up knitting, making cherished sweaters and scarfs for her loved ones. She was also an exceptional cook who found joy in preparing meals and gathering her family around the table.
Above all, Aristea was a devoted Yiayia (grandmother) who played an important role in raising her grandchildren, surrounding them with unconditional love and care. Her warmth, creativity, and nurturing spirit will be remembered by all who knew her.
Her funeral is Tuesday, September 23rd with a service at 10:00 a.m. at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 102 Russell Street, Worcester (Please go directly to church). Burial will follow in Hope Cemetery, 119 Webster Street, Worcester. Calling hours are Monday, September 22nd from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, Worcester.