In Memoriam: Aspasia Pappas Buck

Aspasia Pappas Buck, 86, of Reading, PA, passed away on Saturday evening, November 12, 2011 at St. Joseph Hospital in Reading, PA.

She was the wife of the late Clarence W. Buck, who passed away in 2003.

Born in Reading, she was the daughter of the late Demetrious and Vasilia Drosellis Papadopoulos.

Aspasia had worked as a hairstylist at Carl's Beauty Salon in Reading for 25 years, until her retirement in 1977. After her retirement, she had served as a tour coordinator for White Star Tours in Myrtle Beach, SC.

A member of Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, she was a member of the Philoptochos Society, a former member of the Daughters of Penelope and had formerly served as a parish council person. She had also been a member of St. John The Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Myrtle Beach, where she had served as choir director and as president of the Philoptochos Society. For her commitment and service to her churches throughout the years, she was awarded the St. Michael's Medal.

She enjoyed reading, arts, and crafts and traveling.

Aspasia is survived by her two daughters and sons-in-law, Voula and George Manukas of Raleigh, NC, and Vasso and Thomas Papavasilion of Landisville, PA; her 3 grandchildren: John and wife, Angie Papavasilion, of Columbia Pa., Christina and husband, Christopher Markulic, of Fuquay Varina, NC, and Peter and wife, Ami Manukas, of Wake Forest, NC; and her 4 great-grandchildren: Lynsey, Rachel, Elizabeth, and Michael; and by several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her grandson, Matthew Papavasilion and by her brother, George Papadopoulos.

Friends will be received on Thursday, November 17, 2011 from 9-11 AM at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 1001 E. Wyomissing Blvd., Reading, PA 19611, with the Funeral Service to follow at 11 AM, the Rev. Thomas Papalos officiating. Interment in Laureldale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Aspasia's memory to Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church and/or to the church's Philoptochos Society, at the above address. To send an online condolence, please visit www.SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, Lancaster, PA, is in charge of arrangements.

In Memoriam: Stella (Dialectos) Kraras

Stella G. Kraras, 86, died August 13, 2011 in her Wyomissing residence, surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of Gust C. Kraras, to whom she was married on April 28, 1946. Born in Reading, she was a daughter of the late Athanasios and Angeliki (Kostomeris) Dialectos. Mrs. Kraras was a life-long partner in all of the family businesses. She was co-owner of the former College Inn at 14th and Union Streets across from Albright College. She went on to co-own The Lorraine Hotel and Restaurant, White Star Motel and other motels and restaurants in Wildwood, NJ. She also played an active and long-time role at White Star Tours, the family travel company based in Reading, PA. Mrs. Kraras was a member of Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, Reading, where she was a devoted member and past officer of the St. Xenia Philoptochos Society, a member of the Daughters of Penelope Society, and an active participant in the Church's Annual Greek Food Bazaar. A part-time resident of Wildwood, she was a member of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, North Wildwood, NJ, where she was also a member of the St. Sotiros Philoptochos Society. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, Christ G., husband of Ann (Baxewanis) Kraras; Angel P., wife of Mauro D. Cammarano; and Patricia "Tula", wife of Bernard Donahue, all of Wyomissing. There are three siblings, Effie, widow of Nicholas Parenti, Reading; Anna, wife of Michael Koumaras, Reading; and Harry, husband of Christine Dialectos, Wyomissing; and one sister-in-law, Joanne Dialectos, wife of Mrs. Kraras's predeceased brother, George, Reading. There are six grandchildren: Dean C., husband of Jennifer Kraras, Marisa C., wife of Scott Hunsicker; Andrew M., husband of Sophia Cammarano; Stephanie M., wife of Gregory Labe; Bernard N. Donahue, Jr. and Stavanna C. Donahue. There are also eight great-grandchildren: Mackenzie, Peyton, Christopher and Delaney Kraras; Tommy, Christo and Gram Hunsicker; and Isabelle Cammarano, all who will miss her very much. Her family meant everything to her, and she loved nothing more than spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Services will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. in Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 1001 E. Wyomissing Blvd., Reading, PA 19611. Burial will be in Charles Evans Cemetery. Friends may call Wednesday from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Church. Contributions may be made to: Sts. Constantine and Helen Church at the above address or St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, St. Demetrios and Ahepa Streets, North Wildwood, NJ 08260. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.

In Memoriam: Bessie V. Capiotis

Bessie V. Capiotis, a longtime member of the Daughters of Penelope, passed away on July 24, 2010. Sister Capiotis was an active member of the Reading Daughters' Chapter for many decades. From her Obituary:

Bessie V. Capiotis, 89, died July 24, 2010, in Kutztown Manor, where she resided since December 2008. Her husband, Constantine M. Capiotis, died May 24, 1984. Born June 10, 1921, in Monessen, she was a daughter of the late Peter and Maria (Flora) Kontaxes. Bessie was a member of SS Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, where she was a life member of St. Xenia Ladies Philoptochos Society and a member of The Daughters of Penelope. She is survived by two sons, Stratton C., and his wife, Debra L. Capiotis, Oley; and Milton G., and his wife, Sharon A. Capiotis, Spring Township. Other survivors include two sisters, Irene (Kontaxes) Fafalois, Monongahela; and Josephine (Kontaxes) Nobozny, Charleroi. There are also eight grandchildren: Constance, Nickolas, Michael, Christina, Stephen, Peter, Katie and Elisabeth; and five great-grandchildren: Christopher, Zoey, Jacob, Auggie and Elisabeth. Services will be at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 28, 2010, at SS Constantine & Helen GOC, 1001 E. Wyomissing Blvd., Reading, PA 19611. Burial will follow in Charles Evans Cemetery. A viewing will be held Tuesday, July 27, 2010, from 7 to 9 p.m. in Auman Funeral Home, 247 Penn St., Reading, and Wednesday, July 28, 2010, from 9:30 to 10 a.m. in the church. A Trisagion Service will be Tuesday at 8 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions maybe made to the church at the above address in Bessie's memory. Arrangements are by Theo C. Auman Inc., Reading. Online condolences may be made at www.theocauman.com.