Anna Malafouris Chapekis

Age 73, passed away September 28, 2012. Born in 1939 to Greek immigrant parents in Detroit, MI, Anna worked her way through the University of Michigan, earning a BA in English and many years later a MA in English Education from EMU. She married Nicholas G. Chapekis in 1960 and taught school until son Nicholas G. Chapekis, Jr. (Theresa) was born, followed by daughter Katherine Chapekis Sietsema (Rev. Brian Mark). She combined her love of opera and support of students by founding The U of M Friends of Opera in 1974 and served continuously as the group’s General Director. Anna was President of numerous civic and educational organizations including AAUW and Church Women United, while also participating in the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Choir and Philoptochos. Anna returned to the workforce when her children were older, as an editor and later as an English and Journalism teacher at Pioneer High School. Anna was a natural mentor to the many people drawn to her, generously offering support, lending confidence, and dispensing good advice.

Beloved wife of Nicholas for 52 years, loving mother of Nicholas Jr. and Katherine, and stellar Yiayia of Athena Chapekis, Matthew Sietsema, and Alexander Sietsema. Predeceased by granddaughter Vasiliki “Bessie” Sietsema.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 3, 2012, at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 3109 Scio Church Rd., Ann Arbor, with Rev. Fr. Mark Sietsema and Rev. Fr. Nicolaos H. Kotsis officiating. Interment will follow in Bethlehem Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Robison-Bahnmiller Funeral Home, 301 E. Michigan Ave., Saline, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, where the Trisagion will be held at 7:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church (Iconography) or to U of M Friends of Opera (Anna M. Chapekis Scholarship). Arrangements by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.

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11 Messages to “Anna Malafouris Chapekis

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Tiffy Zachos and Bill Polinski
September 30, 2012 at 8:43 am

We love you, Anna. You will be in our hearts forever. Thank you for your love, your kindness, your support, your generosity, and your leadership by humble example.

Love,

Tiffy and Bill

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Bill and Betty Colovas
September 30, 2012 at 10:17 am

With sincere and deepest sympathy in the loss of our dear cousin, Anna. May Her Memory Be Eternal.

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Peter and Angie Colovas
September 30, 2012 at 2:21 pm

Deepest sympathy for the loss of our Thea Anna. May her memory be eternal

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Peter and Cynthia Colovas Price
September 30, 2012 at 4:24 pm

We will always remember Thea Anna’s smile and warm heart. I can still hear her laugh. May her memory be eternal. Much love from Austin, Texas

Cynthia, Peter and kids – Jordan, Zachary and Nicole.

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Mary Ann Kauffman
September 30, 2012 at 9:24 pm

With our friendship lasting nearly 50 years, I am at a loss without you, Anna. You will be missed but never forgotten. Bob and I think of you and your family each day and pray that the memories of your wonderful life will continue to sustain those most dear to you. We will not be with you in person on Wednesday, but most surely your spirit will be with us.

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Heather Mayo
October 1, 2012 at 7:45 am

I have been out of touch for too long, and it sadness me greatly to hear that my Nouna has passed. She was warm and kind and loving, helped me find a place in my new faith and will be greatly missed.

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Richard LeSueur
October 1, 2012 at 10:41 am

Your lasting legacy will fulfilled by the voice students whom you have assisted in the past and those who are to come. Thank you for over 35 years of sharing your love of opera.

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Jenny Lynn Stewart
October 1, 2012 at 11:58 am

Dearest Anna. You will always have a place in my heart. I am so sorry to hear of your passing. My deepest sympathy to your family.

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Kide, Matthe& AK
October 2, 2012 at 9:46 pm

Anna we will always remember you as a kind, generous & God loving mom. Our deepest condolence to your family.
Kide, Matthew & AK

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Angie Sianis Letsos
October 3, 2012 at 10:14 pm

Anna was a wonderful and kind woman with a lot of love, caring and intuition. She always could read me very well and touched my heart and soul as a close friend would. I will always remember her and hope that Nick Sr., Nick Jr. Kathy and all the family and friends accept my condolences and will be strong during these hard times. May God keep her spirit alive and Rest her Soul.

God Bless you Anna,
Love you always
Angie and family

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Denise Colovas
October 14, 2012 at 7:20 pm

Dearest Uncle Nick, cousin Nick, Katherine and family,
Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers during this time of grieving. Thea Anna’s bright spirit will always remain in our hearts.

With deepest sympathies,

Denise Colovas
Berkeley, CA

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