PAVLOU Christina (nee Papacotis)
26.10.1935 – 02.10.2020
EULOGY
Christina Papacotis was born in Sydney NSW on 26th October 1935. She was the third child of Jim and Nina Papacotis. Christina was very close to her brothers George and Jack (deceased) and returned to Sydney as often as she could to see her parents and brothers.
Christina was educated at Sydney Girls High School and went on to Sydney Teachers’ College where she received her diploma of teaching at the primary school level.
Christina met her beloved husband Dimitrios Pavlou on a visit to Melbourne. In January 1957 she married and moved to Melbourne at the of age 21. The new “nifi” was lovingly welcomed with open arms by the Pavlou family . Dimitrios and Christina’s house was always filled with streams of visits from family and friends.
Christina’s cousins Nick, Jack, Steve and Alec Bisas quickly became her “Melbourne brothers” as they took her under their wing and showered her with love and kindness.
Christina and Jim had 3 children, Maria, Paul and Leah and later welcomed their daughter in law Judy and son in law Stephen into the family fold.
Christina loved and cherished her grandchildren James, Evan, Josh, Nicholas, Felicity and Claire and in recent years was able to experience the love and joy of a great granddaughter Charlie.
Christina led a very full and enriched life. When her youngest daughter Leah started school, she began teaching at the primary levels of Prep to Grade 6 and worked as the school librarian for many years.
As a dedicated teacher, Christina was passionate about children’s education and spent many years as a Volunteer for Life Education, a community based organisation that provides positive health and drug education for school aged children.
In addition to working full time, Christina was a volunteer worker for the Australia Red Cross and in 2016 was awarded a 50 years of service certificate and medal.
While Christina was a very patriotic Australian she was fiercely proud of her Kastellorizian heritage , and was a committee member and secretary of the Kastellorzian Association of Victoria for many years , helping to preserve the history and culture for future generations . Christina was a proud recipient of a Lifetime achievement award.
On Friday 2nd October 2020 just a few weeks short of her 85th birthday, Christina passed away peacefully surrounded by family after a short battle with cancer. The family wish to thank Brimlea Nursing home for their care and compassion, particularly in her last days.
The Pavlou family wish to thank everyone for their kindness and words of support especially at a time when we cannot receive visitors. All the phone calls, flowers and messages have touched us deeply.
Christina will be forever loved and remembered by all who touched her life in so many ways.