Chrysoula Stefanidis passed away peacefully at the age of 94 in her home, surrounded by family, on May 27, 2025, in Houston, Texas. She was born on January 25, 1931, in Vrysaki, Hmathias, Greece to Kyriako and Kyriakitsa Exezidis.
Lovingly known as Soula or Yiayia, she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and Godmother. Her life was filled with challenges but through strength and determination she always found a way to overcome them.
In 1956 Chrysoula left her hometown of Vrysaki and began a new life in Houston, Texas. She worked as a skilled seamstress while becoming deeply involved with her church community. She was a familiar and beloved presence at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, contributing her time and spirit to Philoptochos, preparing for the Greek Festival and joyfully serving at the Greek coffee booth-something she took great pride in.
More than anything, Soula was the heart of her family. As “YiaYia”, she made sure everyone was well fed, loved and felt at home. She thrived when surrounded by family and friends, always hosting with warmth and generosity. Her vibrant personality and strong-willed nature reflected her proud Pontian roots-she was a true original. Soula was firm in her beliefs, fiercely loyal and unwavering in her love for her family. She was the glue that held everyone together.
She will be missed deeply, but her legacy lives on in each of us who were lucky enough to know and love her.
Chrysoula is survived by her daughters Roula Stefanidis, Dora Manolopoulos and husband George Chryssochoos, and Kitsa Strait; Her son Savvas Stefanides; And her sister Anastasia Politidou. She also leaves behind 11 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and many other dear relatives and friends.
The family would especially like to acknowledge her first grandchild, Fotini Manolopoulos, who stood faithfully by YiaYia’s side with love, care and devotion throughout the years.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Theohari Stefanidis; Her parents Kyriaki and Kyriako Exezidis; Her brothers Christo, Voulis and Socratis Exezidis; And her son-in-law Christos Michos.
Their family extends their deepest gratitude to Elissa, Vicky and Joanna, the devoted caretakers who lived with and lovingly cared for Soula, as well as, the compassionate nurses and staff from Silverado Hospice Care, whose support brought comfort during her final days.
Services will be held on Monday, June 2, 2025, at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral with the Visitation starting at 9:30am and the Funeral Service beginning at 10:30am. Burial will take place following the Funeral Service at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery at 12:00pm.
Thank you for visiting this memorial web page. Please sign the online guest book to let the family know you were here thinking of them.
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery
Chrysoula Stefanidis passed away peacefully at the age of 94 in her home, surrounded by family, on May 27, 2025, in Houston, Texas. She was born on January 25, 1931, in Vrysaki, Hmathias, Greece to Kyriako and Kyriakitsa Exezidis.
Lovingly known as Soula or Yiayia, she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and Godmother. Her life was filled with challenges but through strength and determination she always found a way to overcome them.
In 1956 Chrysoula left her hometown of Vrysaki and began a new life in Houston, Texas. She worked as a skilled seamstress while becoming deeply involved with her church community. She was a familiar and beloved presence at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, contributing her time and spirit to Philoptochos, preparing for the Greek Festival and joyfully serving at the Greek coffee booth-something she took great pride in.
More than anything, Soula was the heart of her family. As “YiaYia”, she made sure everyone was well fed, loved and felt at home. She thrived when surrounded by family and friends, always hosting with warmth and generosity. Her vibrant personality and strong-willed nature reflected her proud Pontian roots-she was a true original. Soula was firm in her beliefs, fiercely loyal and unwavering in her love for her family. She was the glue that held everyone together.
She will be missed deeply, but her legacy lives on in each of us who were lucky enough to know and love her.
Chrysoula is survived by her daughters Roula Stefanidis, Dora Manolopoulos and husband George Chryssochoos, and Kitsa Strait; Her son Savvas Stefanides; And her sister Anastasia Politidou. She also leaves behind 11 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and many other dear relatives and friends.
The family would especially like to acknowledge her first grandchild, Fotini Manolopoulos, who stood faithfully by YiaYia’s side with love, care and devotion throughout the years.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Theohari Stefanidis; Her parents Kyriaki and Kyriako Exezidis; Her brothers Christo, Voulis and Socratis Exezidis; And her son-in-law Christos Michos.
Their family extends their deepest gratitude to Elissa, Vicky and Joanna, the devoted caretakers who lived with and lovingly cared for Soula, as well as, the compassionate nurses and staff from Silverado Hospice Care, whose support brought comfort during her final days.
Services will be held on Monday, June 2, 2025, at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral with the Visitation starting at 9:30am and the Funeral Service beginning at 10:30am. Burial will take place following the Funeral Service at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery at 12:00pm.
Thank you for visiting this memorial web page. Please sign the online guest book to let the family know you were here thinking of them.
Rest in peace Thea Soula. Thank you for being the pillar of strength for the family. You will be dearly missed. May your memory be eternal.
Καλό ταξίδι αγαπημένη μου κυρία Στεφανίδη. Δεν θα σας ξεχάσω ποτέ.
I met Soula in 1961. I was still new to the US and had just moved to Houston - I didn’t know a soul. We both had a young child and shared a love for Kazantzidis, and we quickly became close friends. Our friendship grew, and we became like sisters. I’ll never forget her kindness as she helped me get used to this strange new country, and our talks over the years as we faced life’s challenges together. I’ll miss her terribly but am comforted that she’s now in a better place, with her beloved Harry.
On behalf of my entire family, I want to thank you and your staff for your excellent and caring service.
Thank you for all you did to make our mother's funeral special, dignified, and easy for us.
I just can't express to you enough how much we appreciated the kindness and professionalism my family experienced with you and your staff.
Thank you for treating my beloved mother with honor and respect all throughout the process.
Our family will be forever grateful to the owner and staff at Beresford Funeral Services for the excellent services they provided to our family upon the death of our loved one. Everything went smoothly. The planning was easy with everything needed for the funeral provided on sight at reasonable prices with no pressure to spend more than planned. They were flexible with our personal plans, very kind, and considerate from beginning to end. We would definitely recommend Beresford Funeral Services to anyone in need of funeral services.
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