Panayiota "Nitsa" Kouyialis' Obituary
Panayiota "Nitsa" Kouyialis, beloved mother, grandmother, great‑grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2025. She was born on July 5, 1935, in Nicosia, Cyprus, to Yiannis Paschalis and Crystalla Hatzietoouli.
On December 28, 1958, Panayiota married the love of her life, Kypros Kouyialis, in their hometown of Nicosia. Together they built a life rooted in devotion, hard work, and deep family bonds. In 1970, they immigrated to the United States, embracing a new beginning while carrying forward the traditions and values of their Cypriot heritage.
A lifelong seamstress, Panayiota poured her skill, patience, and artistry into her work until her retirement. Her greatest joy, however, was her family. She cherished every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great‑grandchildren, whose lives were brightened by her warmth, generosity, and gentle spirit.
In 2015, Panayiota moved to Allen, Texas, where she found a welcoming community and new friendships through Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. Her presence—kind, social, and full of quiet strength—was a blessing to all who knew her.
Panayiota is preceded in death by her husband, Kypros Kouyialis; her daughter‑in‑law, Donna Kouyialis; and her son‑in‑law, Philip Pappadopoulos.
She is survived by her children: Peter and Ingrid Kouyialis of Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey; Nicholas Kouyialis of Riverview, Florida; and Kathy Pappadopoulos of Allen, Texas. She leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Timothy and Amanda Pappadopoulos of Allen, Texas; Nicholas and Samantha Kouyialis of Odessa, Florida; Alexander Kouyialis and Monique Colon of Phoenix, Arizona; and Patrick and Tracey Kouyialis of Franklin Park, New Jersey. She is also lovingly remembered by her great‑grandchildren: Aria, Axel, Katherine, Peyton, Olivia, and Quinn.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Benevolent Fund in Dallas, Texas, or St. Andrew's Greek Orthodox Church in Randolph, New Jersey, honoring Panayiota’s faith and her lifelong commitment to helping others.
A Trisagion service will be held on December 23, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Dallas, Texas. The funeral service will follow on December 23, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., also at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.
Interment will take place on Monday, December 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 13 Legion Place, Whippany, NJ 07981.
Her memory will be eternal in the hearts of all who loved her.
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