Mrs. Koula D. Pistolis of Charlotte, NC died October 14, 2012 at home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in the central region of Greece known as Evrytania in the area recognized as Karpenisi. Her birthplace was the Mikro Horio which was damaged in WWII when bombs scarred the village and occupying Nazis executed the town?s dignitaries. She was the daughter of the late Stavros and Fotini Dermatas and the middle child with two siblings, an older sister and younger brother. 

She immigrated to the United States in 1951 to begin a new life in America with her husband John Pistolis and together raised their three children. They made their home in Tarboro, NC in 1955. Outside of being a devoted wife, mother and ?Yia Yia,? becoming an American Citizen in 1965 was one of her greatest honors. 

After losing the love of her life in 1973, Mrs. Pistolis found the courage, vision and strength to move from Tarboro, NC to Charlotte, NC. Here she began a new life reconnecting with relatives and fellow Greeks she had previously left behind in her homeland. 

Mrs. Pistolis was a member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral and an avid member of Ladies Philopticos Society. For over twenty-five years, she was an enthusiastic and dedicated festival worker in her church?s annual Greek Festival. 

Married in 1950, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 23 years John Pistolis in 1973, as well as her parents and her siblings Eftikia Kamaretsos formerly of New York, NY, and Panos Dermatas formerly of Greece. 

Among her greatest gifts was her deep love was for her family, who will miss her greatly. She is survived by her three children; son, Gus J. Pistolis of Richmond, VA; daughter, Frances P. Wood and husband, Larry N. Wood of Courtland, VA; and son, Charlie S. Pistolis and wife, Irene of Charlotte. She adored her ?life treasures? as she lovingly referred to her grandchildren. Grandchildren include granddaughters, Alexa M. Pistolis-Pinzon and husband, Sergio Pinzon of Charleston, SC, and Christina A. Pistolis of Charlotte, NC; and grandsons, Preston A. Wood of Mechanicsville, VA and Jonathan A. Pistolis of Charlotte, NC. She is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews. 

In her retirement, she was a homemaker who enjoyed gardening and had a natural green thumb; and she especially enjoyed spending time with her family and extended family. Walking was one of her many passions. She was often dubbed by neighbors the ?walking mayor? of her beloved Ashbrook neighborhood and nearby Park Road Shopping Center. On any given day, weather permitting, you could find her walking to do her shopping or around the neighborhood greeting neighbors and offering help to those in need. She was a friend to all and a stranger to none. 

The family wishes to recognize her many dedicated caregivers; Cheryl McNeil, Zeela Andrade, Betty Elliott and Kathy Sanchez. The family would also like to thank Dr. Erika Bono and her staff at Carolinas Medical Center and the staff of Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region. 

Services will be at 11:00 AM Tuesday October 16, 2012 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Graveside services will be 11:00 AM Wednesday at Edgecombe Memorial Park in Tarboro, NC. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral or the Ladies Philoptochos Society, 600 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC, 28203.