Stavroula P. Sotos

On Sunday, May 3, 2020, Stavroula Sotos, loving wife, mother, and yiayia was called home at the age of 87.  She was born on March 13, 1933 in the village of Marathousa (Megalopolis, Greece) and was one of four siblings born to Efthimios and Eleni (Kalogeropoulou) Svolos.  As a little girl, the family’s village and home were occupied during WWII leaving the family with little but their faith in God, each other, and a will to persevere; by His Grace they did.  Opportunities for education were few in her time and if asked she would let you know that she didn’t make it past the third grade, but knew how to put a horse to plow, turn over a field, tend animals, prepare food, make clothes, and run a farmhouse; she had a PhD in hard work.  Stavroula emigrated to America (Indianapolis) in her 20’s and soon after met the love of her life, Peter Sotos, who also happened to be from a nearby village and whose families knew each other and the same adversities.  They were married on Thanksgiving Day, 1961 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church and had two sons, Ilias Peter Sotos, and Efthimios (Elaine) Sotos; three grandchildren, Persephone (Luke) Mosier, Peter Kriner-Sotos, and Penelope Kriner-Sotos; and, great-granddaugher, Kayla Mosier.

Stavroula worked as a seamstress for most of her life both for local retailers, and for herself with contract work, and personal clients.  Always meeting deadlines, she never officially retired and when work stretched into the evening during basketball season she liked to watch the Indiana Pacers and her favorite player Reggie Miller while doing hand work in the living room; lots of Bravo’s and Opa’s!  Foremost however, she was a devoted wife and mother.  She was the stealthy protector who followed her boys to school to make sure they got there safely.  She was the supportive spouse who made her husband’s lunch every day.  She was an amazing cook and a day never lapsed without a home cooked family meal. Her home always smelled like she was cooking or baking; because she was.  If you asked her why she would cook and bake so much she would say, “Maybe we’ll have company!”; there were many guests but very few leftovers.  She valued sharing and hospitality of the type if someone sat down next to her and she had food in her hand, she would offer them half.  If someone was a guest in her home they never left without hospitality and a meal; it was her super power and you could not leave once the fresh bread, cheese, and fries were served!

Stavroula lived her life as a Greek Orthodox Christian and was a member of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Indianapolis for over 60 years.  She was such a nurturing person, that shared everything she had, and maintained a caring heart for others.  Stavroula loved children and would always engage them with a made-up song, a dance, and a salute, Opa!  And, the children fondly called her Big Yiayia.  During her later years, Stavroula spent time in Los Angeles with her loving son and daughter-in-law, sisters, family and friends, including an Angel from Heaven, Xenia.  She was always ready for a walk (volta) along the beach enjoying the activity and sea air.  Through Stavroula, we know what resilience and perseverance look like.  In her last year, she was blessed to return to her Indianapolis home and enjoy time with her other loving son, her wonderful grandchildren, and her beautiful and energetic great-granddaughter before joining her beloved Peter in heaven.  May her memory forever remain eternal.  Αιώνια H Mνήμη.

Stavroula is predeceased by her spouse Peter by 9 years.  Of her parents and siblings, she is predeceased by her father, mother, brother George Svolos, and sister Anastasia (late Father Peter) Rellos.  In addition to her sons, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter, Stavroula is survived by her sister Kalliope (late Nikos) Kakkava and her godson Gus Mavrikis, whom she adored, along with many loving nieces and nephews.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a private funeral will be held behind closed doors at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral.  In lieu of flowers, the family humbly requests that donations be made to Philoptochos.  Checks may be made payable to: Philoptochos

Mail to: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral; ATTN: Philoptochos 3500 W. 106th Street, Carmel, IN 46032