Giannoula J. Sarris

Giannoula J. Sarris, née Kritikos, passed away on March 14, 2026, at the age of 88. She was the beloved wife of the late John G. Sarris for 52 years and the loving mother of George (Mary Jo), Mike (the late Maria), Nick (Elaine), Maria Glyptis (George), and Costas (Katerina). She was the devoted Yiayia of Jason, Michael, Christopher, Giannoula Regan (Bill), Angelina (Greg), John (fiancée Dimitria Kontoveros), Yianni, Yiannoula Mavroidis (Mav), Katerina Glyptis, Vungelia Damianos (John), Yiannis, Loukas, and Giannoula “Genna,” and the cherished Great-Yiayia of Eliana, Jordan, Garry, Niko, Maria, Maria, and Maria. She was the dear daughter of the late Michael Kritikos and Steliani (née Venetos) and was preceded in death by one brother and four sisters.

Born on December 1, 1937, in the small village of Karies on the island of Chios, Greece, Giannoula was shaped from an early age by her faith, courage, and determination. At sixteen, she traveled alone to the United States, first settling in Gary, Indiana, where she worked as a skilled fur seamstress and faithfully sent much of her earnings back to support her family in Greece. She soon met the love of her life, John G. Sarris. They married in Dubuque, Iowa, and built their life together on hard work, sacrifice, and deep devotion to faith and family. They opened their first restaurant, Sarris Lunch, even working on Sundays to pay for their wedding, which they prepared entirely themselves.

The couple eventually made their home in Cleveland, Ohio, where they owned and operated several restaurants. Giannoula worked tirelessly beside her husband while raising their five children. Her strong love of the Church guided her throughout her life. She shared her faith with her children and grandchildren, teaching them about the Orthodox Saints and the values she held dear, and remained committed to supporting many churches, including those in Greece, as well as those in need.

Giannoula’s greatest joy was her family, which grew into a legacy of five children, thirteen grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Her home was always open and welcoming, filled with food, laughter, and love. She delighted in bringing everyone together, especially during the holidays, blending Greek traditions with new family customs and creating cherished memories, including her beloved pizza parties that gathered generations under one roof. To her family, she was the heart that held them all together. Her life of sacrifice, faith, strength, and unconditional love will remain with the generations she nurtured so faithfully.