Paraskevi G. Karagiannis, "YiaYia", of Newington, CT passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Tuesday, October 31st, 2023 at the Hospital of Central CT at New Britain General.  Paraskevi, widower of the late George Karagiannis and daughter of late Kiriakos and Despina Kiriakou, was born in May of 1928 in the Village of Sianna - Rhodes, Greece.

In her 95 years of life, YiaYia Paraskevi touched the souls of all those whom she crossed paths with.  If you were ever looking for her, you could always find her every Sunday (or any Holy day, for that matter) at our beloved Greek Orthodox Church, St. George's in Hartford, CT, as she was an active and faithful patron upon immigrating with her family to the United States in 1969.  She was always the first to arrive at church, so that she could start her prayers and the "thimiato", to bless the holy iconography.  Her (rare) absence never went unnoticed in the church, as everyone would always ask out of concern where she was, if not there.  She was so well-known and active within our Greek community and loved by all, to the point where she had inherently become everyone's "YiaYia".  Her love and passion revolved so much around the Greek Orthodox faith.  Her love for her faith ran so deeply that if she was not reading her Holy books, or listening to her Holy cassette tapes, then you would be sure to hear her praying under her breath.  YiaYia Paraskevi was so spiritually connected to God, that she was known as a "Saint that walked amongst us", by all those whom knew her - All of whom felt so blessed and closer to God, by just simply being around her.

During the rest of YiaYia's free time, you would find her pouring her heart and soul into manicuring her expansive, beautiful garden – All fresh produce that was either given to friends and families, or needed for the flavorful meals she prepared for her loved ones.  Be sure to know, that a meal prepared by YiaYia however was incomplete, if not paired with her freshly-baked bread.

Paraskevi is survived by her loving children and their spouses– 3 daughters Christina, Kitsa, and Despina and her only son, Savva; grandchildren – 5 grandsons (Fillipo, Niko, Manoli, Giorgo, and Giorgako) and 4 granddaughters (Voula, Chrisovalantou, Georgia, and Nikoleta); great-grandchildren – 3 great-grandsons (Evangelo, Stamo, and Nunzio and 2 great-granddaughters (Ariana and Christina); and as well many nieces and nephews.  All of whom loved her and considered her as their angel in the family.

Funeral service for Paraskevi will be held Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 11 a.m. at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 433 Fairfield Ave., Hartford, CT.  Burial will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery. Relatives and friends may call at the Church Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral. To share a memory of Paraskevi, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com