Chrysanthi "Hrisa" Papoutsakis

Chrysanthi "Hrisa" Papoutsakis1935 - 2026HampdenChrysanthi "Hrisa" Papoutsakis, 90, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.Chrysanthi was born in Chania, Crete, Greece on October 25, 1935, to Stavros and Maria (Venakis) Koundourakis. As a young woman, she trained to become a seamstress. After immigrating to the United States in 1967, she worked for many years as a sewing machine operator at Carters Children's Clothing in Springfield and was a member of the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union. She later worked in the Food and Nutrition Department at Mercy Hospital, where she remained until her retirement.She was an active member of her community and was a communicant of Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Springfield and a member of the Ladies' Philoptochos Society and the Cretan Ladies' Society.Hrisa loved cooking for her family and friends and took great pride in caring for her home and those she loved. She especially enjoyed spending summers gardening alongside her beloved husband, Andreas, tending their garden, harvesting vegetables, and preparing the garden's bounty together. She was an incredible Yiayia, overflowing with love for her four grandchildren.Most recently, she enjoyed her Friday senior center outings with her daughter and loved participating in the many activities at the Memory Café in Hampden, where she spent time with friends and community.She lived and loved with an open heart, had a strong faith, and a wonderfully silly sense of humor. Hrisa had a warm presence and was a light that drew people close, making everyone feel welcomed and cared for.She leaves her loving daughters, Georgia Papoutsakis and her husband, Donald Rhea of Hampden, and Maria Papoutsakis of Palmer; her cherished grandchildren, Sara Battersby, Jasmine Papoutsakis and her husband Vugar Abdullayev, Nikolas Papoutsakis, and Chloe Lewis; her daughter-in-law, Celinda Woo; and many beloved nieces, nephews, friends and extended family members in the United States, Canada and Greece.She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 60 years, Andreas Papoutsakis; her dear son, Nektarios Papoutsakis; and her many siblings.Her memory will be forever cherished by her family and all who knew and loved her.Family and friends are invited to gather on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 from 4 – 7 PM at Forastiere Smith Funeral & Cremation, 220 North Main Street, East Longmeadow. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2026 beginning at 10:30 AM at the funeral home followed by 12 Noon at Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 2320 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01107. Her burial will follow the Funeral Service at Oak Grove Cemetery, 426 Bay Street, Springfield, MA 01109.Memorial contributions in Chrysanthi's memory may be made to Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral. For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.forastiere.com