Olga Hondros Liapis

Olga Hondros Liapis, 90, passed away peacefully at her Burlington home on September 13, 2018.

Olga was born on February 14, 1928 in Mikro Horio, Evrytania, Greece. She was the daughter of James Bill Hondros and Maria Gornas Hondros. During the war, Olga and her family fled from her village in Greece, while she carried a large icon of Christ under her arm for protection. Olga, along with her mother and sister arrived safely in Leaksville (Eden), NC years later, where her father was a working partner in G&J Grill. In the mid-1950’s, Olga’s father sponsored her childhood friend, Jim Liapis, to come to America and work with him in the restaurant. On April 28, 1957, (61 years ago), Jim and Olga married in Leaksville and soon moved to Burlington to build their lives together. Olga and Jim’s life in America was a new beginning, assimilating in a country in which they could not speak the language. With her unquestionable faith, unconditional love, perseverance, and incredible work ethic, Olga was a pillar of strength to her family and Greek community. She spent her life working alongside her husband at Boston Sandwich Shop, raising her family and serving her church. Olga’s greatest joy was her grandchildren, especially making sure they were well fed.

Olga is survived by her loving husband, James Vasilios Liapis, and her sister Christine Hondros Mallos of Huntersville, NC. She is also survived by her children, Billy Liapis and his wife Irene Trakas Liapis of Charlotte, Andy Liapis and his wife Christine Papadis Liapis of Burlington, and Maria Liapis Small and her husband Nick Small of Spartanburg; nine grandchildren, Andrew Small and wife Amanda Boyles Small, Katherine Liapis Granza and husband Alan Granza, Despina Small, Demetra Liapis Fogleman and her husband Alex Fogleman, Maria Liapis, Anthony Liapis, Dimitri Liapis, Gregory Liapis and Christina Liapis; and two great- grandchildren, Kennedy Nicole Small and Kaliopi Christina Granza.

Visitations will occur from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm on Wednesday, September 19, 2018 with the Trisagion Service at 6:30pm at Rich and Thompson Funeral Home at 306 Glenwood Avenue, Burlington, NC. Funeral Services will be held at 11 am, Thursday, September 20, 2018 at St Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, 2150 West Front Street, Burlington, NC. Reverend Father George P. Vlahos will be officiating the services. Interment will follow at Alamance Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, PO Box 1004, Burlington, NC 27216.

May her memory be eternal.

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