Aliki Laske (Totonis), 92, of New Britain, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2022.  She was born in Istanbul (Constantinople), Turkey to the late Constantinos and Maria (Papalilo) Totonis, on March 20, 1930.  She was predeceased in 2018 by her husband, Thanas "Arthur" Laske, whom she met and married in Turkey in 1948.  She was also predeceased by her three brothers, Γιώργος, Στέφανος και Ακίλας, whom she loved and admired dearly.  She leaves behind her son Apostol and wife Judy of Wethersfield, and her three cherished grandsons Evan, Jordan, and Hayden.  She also leaves behind her sister-in-law Helen Totonis of Glastonbury and many nieces and nephews, several of whom she was proud to be their Nouna (Godmother) and loved them as if they were her own children.

Chasing the American Dream, Aliki and Arthur immigrated to the US in 1956 with his parents, and with the tremendous support of the late Kasim Giaffo. Soon after coming to America, Aliki and her family opened Family Restaurant across the street from Colt's Manufacturing in the historic Coltsville district of Hartford. Over the years Aliki continued to lend her support to her family, whether it be by caring for her son and in-laws, or by standing by her husband as he pursued his business interests to support their family.

Aliki was a devoted wife and fiercely loyal and giving to her immediate and extended family.  She loved to cook for everyone and was especially known for her baklava, which drew rave reviews. She cherished spending time with her family and always enjoyed hosting and attending large family and friend gatherings, especially those at the homes of her brothers and the many gatherings at Rocky Neck State Park.

Most importantly, Aliki's strong Eastern Orthodox Christian faith, which came from being raised in Constantinople, the mecca of her religion, was an integral part of her life. She never strayed from her faith, and even up to her final days, she remembered how to do the sign of the cross.

The family would like to sincerely thank the many people who provided care for Aliki over her last few years at the exceptional Jerome Home facility in New Britain.  Prior to her stay there, there were several people that cared for her genuinely, including Stefani Kokthi, Michelle Bowden, and Shpresa Dine.  The family was blessed to have Shpresa in her latter years.   She cared for and loved her and was by her bedside in the end as if Aliki was her own mother.  The family can never thank Shpresa enough and will always hold her near and dear to their hearts for the dedication, devotion and love she showed Aliki.

The funeral service will be held at 11 AM, on Tuesday, May 31st at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 433 Fairfield Ave, Hartford.  Burial will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford.  Friends may call at the Church immediately prior to the funeral from 10-11AM.  Funeral arrangements will be handled by Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Tpke, Wethersfield.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 433 Fairfield Ave, Hartford, CT or St. Mary's Albanian Orthodox Church, 535 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609, care of Aliki Laske. Please visit www.dillonbaxter.com to share a memory with the family.

Θά σέ αγαπούμε καί θά σέ θυμίσουμε πάντοτε