Kiriakoula “Koula” Benezis

Koula (Kyriakoula) Benezis (nee Vasilatos) passed away peacefully on August 30th 2021 at the age of 93. She was preceded by her husband, John Benezis. Loving and proud mother of daughters Aristi (Panagiotis) Vasilopoulos, Olivia (George) Vouros, Cecelia “Tasia” (Rick) Blum, Mary (Chris) Poulos, Helen (Theofilos) Tselentis, and Christina (Harry) Topetzes.

Adoring and loving “Yiayia” of Natasa (Yianni), Kosta, Eliana (fiancé Kyle), Kelly, Nick (Katrina), John (Nina), Steven, Dino, Spyro, Yianni, Demetra, Theofania and Kyriaki.

Sweet great-grandmother or as she was called “Yiayia Koula” of Odyssea, Christo, Mariana, Alexis and baby Demitra.

Koula was born in Agrilia, Kefalonia in Greece. She immigrated to the United States in 1960 where she raised her daughters. She was the best mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was our hero. She never complained about anything and made it her life’s mission to help her children succeed in life. She loved being with her family, gardening, spending time with her grandchildren and cooking. She had a strong faith and we’re sure the lord was waiting for her with loving open arms. She believed in honesty, education and loved life and family above all. She was often called “The General” because she always wanted to guide her children in the right path of life so they wouldn’t struggle. She was a diplomat and a peacemaker. She will forever live in our hearts and thoughts, and will be dearly missed by all who loved her.

Visitation will be on Friday, September 3^rd, 2021 at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church 2160 Wauwatosa Ave, Wauwatosa 53213, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM.  Following the visitation, there will be a Trisagion Service followed by burial at Wauwatosa Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the name of Koula Benezis to Sts. Constantine and Helen Church Philoptochos,

Daughters of Penelope or Sts. Constantine and Helen Church Memorial Fund.