Elizabeth Kastanas Harakas

In Loving Memory

Elizabeth Kastanas Harakas

With faith in the Resurrection of Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we announce the peaceful repose of Elizabeth Kastanas Harakas of Matthews, North Carolina, fell asleep in the Lord on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at the age of 89. Elizabeth “Ellie” was born in Karyes, Laconia, Greece to Maria Skiouris and George Kastanas. After the end of World War II and the civil war in Greece, Elizabeth along with her two sisters, Lula and Aphroula, and their mother, Maria, boarded a ship to America and arrived in New York City in October 1950. George, their father, looked forward to their arrival after years of separation caused by the war. Together they went to Charlotte, North Carolina, where their father, having immigrated before WWII, had already established a home for them. Elizabeth was a proud graduate of Central High School in 1956, and went on to attend Kings Business College. Later, she worked in the Records Department at Presbyterian Hospital and at the Esso Corporation.

During the late 1950s and early 1960s, Elizabeth enjoyed the many social activities that brought Charlotte’s Greek community together, including dances and weddings held at the Fireman’s Hall on Seventh Street. It was during this time that she reconnected with Ted Harakas, a childhood friend from her hometown. Their renewed friendship quickly grew into love, and they became engaged in 1961. They were married in 1962 and shortly thereafter began their family. When she wasn’t beside her husband working at the restaurant, she was busy raising their four children or volunteering.

While living in Concord during the late1960s and early 1970s, Elizabeth became a member of the Junior Charity League. She enjoyed sharing her Greek heritage with the other members and was known for teaching others how to prepare traditional Greek pastries. Ellie devoted countless hours to her church, generously volunteering her time to support various projects, events and fundraisers. She was a dedicated and active member of the Ladies of Philoptochos Society, the Daughters of Penelope, and the Ladies Society of Karyae where she served as president in 1987-88. She was honored by the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral with a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of her love, selfless dedication, and faithful service. Blessed with a gift for hospitality, she always made others feel welcome and valued. She was eager to help newcomers feel connected to the church and the broader community, and her kindness, warmth, and generosity touched the lives of many.

Elizabeth is survived by her husband Theodore “Ted” and their four children, Kaleen Kanos (Spero) of Florence, S.C., Maria Caldwell (Barry) of Monroe, N.C., Nanette Lyssikatos (Nick) of Mooresville, N.C., Andre Harakas (Georgia) of Charlotte. Elizabeth “Yiayia” adored her grandchildren: Tiffany Doulaveris (William), Alek Kanos, Anna Jackson (Brent), Jonathan Caldwell (Lauren), Kostas Lyssikatos (Claire), Elizabeth Lyssikatos, Teddy Harakas and James Harakas. Great Grandchildren: Steven, Luke, Jack and Michael Doulaveris. Also surviving is her sister, Lula Kouvaris and many nephews, nieces and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents, Maria and George Kastanas, her sister Aphroula Anderson and brothers-in-law Jimmie Anderson and Peter Kouvaris.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation and heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Peter Copsis, her longtime primary care physician and nephew; to Brittany of Liberty Hospice, who compassionately cared for her, and to her most recent private around the clock care team Linda, Latoya, Jackie, Shiquita and Carolyn.

The family will receive friends at 12:00pm, with the funeral service to be held at 1:00PM on Monday, June 15, 2026 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. 

Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorials donations be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox “Building Fund”, 600 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203.

Arrangements are in the care of Hankins & Whittington Funeral Service, 1111 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28203. 

Condolences may be made at www.HankinsandWhittington.com.