Giannoula J. Sarris

GIANNOULA J. SARRIS (née Kritikos), age 88, passed away on March 14, 2026. Beloved wife for 52 years of the late John G.; loving mother of George (wife Mary Jo), Mike (wife Maria, deceased), Nick (wife Elaine), Maria Glyptis (husband George), and Costas (wife Katerina); devoted Yiayia of Jason, Michael, Christopher, Giannoula Regan (husband Bill), Angelina (Greg), John (fiancée Dimitria Kontoveros), Yianni, Yiannoula Mavroidis (husband Mav), Katerina Glyptis, Vungelia Damianos (husband John), Yiannis, Loukas, and Giannoula "Genna"; cherished Great-Yiayia of seven, Eliana, Jordan, Garry, Niko, Maria, Maria, and Maria. Dear daughter of the late Michael Kritikos and Steliani (née Venetos); preceded in death by one brother and four sisters. Dear sister-in-law, aunt, and great-aunt of many.

Giannoula was born on December 1, 1937, in the small village of Karies on the island of Chios, Greece. Her life was shaped early by her faith, courage, and determination. At just sixteen years old, she traveled alone to the United States, temporarily settling in Gary, Indiana. There she worked as a fur seamstress, becoming highly skilled at her craft and faithfully sending much of what she earned back home to support her family in Chios.

Not long after, she met the love of her life, John G. Sarris. They were married in Dubuque, Iowa, and from the beginning their life together was built on hard work, sacrifice, and a deep devotion to faith and family. They purchased their first restaurant, Sarris Lunch, and even opened on Sundays to earn the extra money needed to pay for their wedding. They prepared the entire reception meal themselves.

As their family grew, Giannoula and John eventually made their permanent home in Cleveland, Ohio, where they owned and operated several restaurants. Life was busy and often demanding, but Giannoula worked tirelessly beside John while also caring for their growing family.

Her strong love of the Church guided her throughout her life and inspired those around her. She shared it lovingly with her children and grandchildren, teaching them about the Orthodox Saints and passing down the values she believed in so deeply. She was also committed to giving to many churches, including in Greece, and to those in need.

Giannoula and John's union grew into a remarkable legacy of five children, thirteen grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren, all of whom became the center of her life and her greatest joy. Her home was always open, always welcoming, and always full of food, laughter, and love. She delighted in bringing everyone together, especially during the holidays. Over the years, she blended the traditions of her Greek heritage with new family customs, creating countless memories-one favorite being her pizza parties, which filled the house with love and joy as generations gathered together.

To her family, Giannoula was the heart that held everyone together. Her life was one of sacrifice, faith, strength, and unconditional love-first for her husband, and then for the generations that followed. The family she nurtured so faithfully will carry her love and her legacy forward.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Giannoula J. Sarris to Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 3352 Mayfield Road in Cleveland Hts. OH 44118.

Funeral Service Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 11 AM at Sts. Constantine & Helen Cathedral, 3352 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland Hts., OH, 44118. Burial following at Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery. Family will receive relatives and friends AT THE CHURCH, WEDNESDAY MORNING, 9:30 to 11 AM.

Arrangements by the DeJohn-Flynn-Mylott-Funeral Home.