Demitra Xinakes' Obituary
Demitra Dellas Xinakes passed away peacefully on May 29, 2021.
Beloved wife of James G. (dec) for 58 years, adored daughter of the late Theodore and Katherine Dellas (both dec). Most loving mother of Katherine X. Beder (Howard dec), Janice X. Harris (George) and Susan X. Schmiedicker (Alan).
Dear sister of Poppy Dellas (dec), Dr. Marie Dellas (dec), Andrew (dec) (Helene dec), Ernest Dellas (dec) (Theodora dec), and Elenie Basil (George dec).
Proud Yiayia of Gregory James Beder (Brittany), Stephanie Kate and Zachary Theodore Beder, Christina Xinakes and Alexandra Demitra Harris, and James Colby and Katie Marie Schmiedicker.
Loving Aunt and Great Aunt to many nieces and nephews. Loving Godmother to Bill, Michael, Madeleine, and Melanie.
One of six children born in Buffalo, NY to loving parents who bravely emigrated from Smyrna. They were also surrounded by doting Uncles who made holidays, name days, and Canadian vacations at the shore joyous and memorable.
Dee and Jim married and moved to Cleveland in 1955. While raising their three daughters, Dee and Jim were one of the founding members of Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Dee was very active in the Ladies Auxiliary, Philoptochos, as a Sunday School Teacher, and as a devoted volunteer for decades of Greek Festivals. Dee also loved co-chairing many fashion shows, Holiday Balls, and special event fundraisers for the Church.
Dee’s Pepper Pike home was a source of pride and a culmination of her creative interior design talents. This inspired her to complete an Interior Design degree and then work as a designer. Dee painted, designed, sewed, gardened and was a marvelous baker. She channeled her competitive spirit into her tennis matches and numerous bridge partnerships. Her favorite partner in life for everything though was always Jim, and their closeness was obvious to all when they danced so beautifully together.
Dee was a patron of the Cleveland Museum of Art, an officer of The Great Lakes Theatre, and an enthusiastic supporter of Playhouse Square.
Dee and Jim’s home was a hub of family gatherings and entertainment, hosting 50 years of Thanksgiving dinners and many holiday and other celebrations.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Foundation, the Philoptochos or The Great Lakes Theatre. ALL SERVICES THURSDAY AT STS. CONSTANTINE & HELEN GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL 3352 MAYFIELD RD, CLEVELAND HTS, 44118. VISITATION 10-12PM WITH THE FUNERAL SERVICE TO FOLLOW AT 12 NOON. INTERMENT LAKEVIEW CEMETERY. WWW.YURCHFUNERALS.COM
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