Obituaries

Vasiliki (Vicky) A Spanos (1944–2023)

Always positive, upbeat and bringing a glow to any room, Vasiliki A Spanos, 79, of Dearborn, MI, passed away on 12/10/2023.

Vasiliki was born in the city of Karditsa Greece in 1944 to Kostas and Konstantina Ziogas, who were both known for their warmth, enormous hearts and hard work. Vasiliki, having grown up during the World War II era and did not have the privilege of attending school as most of the children in her village worked on the farm with their families during this period. In her late teens she had moved out of the village to the big city of Athens where she briefly worked in manufacturing and saved money to provide for a better life for herself.

Apostolos (Paul) Spanos (her soon-to-be husband) met the love of his life, Vasiliki in 1965 while at a wedding event at a friend’s restaurant. And from there, the two seemed inseparable as they ventured on with their new relationship. Excited to start their new lives together, the two were married on October 8, 1968, and settled in the village of Spilia near Kyparissia (Kalamata).

Apostolos and Vasiliki couldn’t wait to start a family of their own, and their children meant the world to them. Dionysios (Danny) would be the oldest of the 3 children followed by Konstantina (Dina) and Kalypso (Kelly).

They would make the decision to move to America for a better life for their children and themselves in 1974, seeking a piece of the American Dream. She and her husband arrived in America on January 20,1974, and over the course of the next few years they would save up enough money to purchase a restaurant business (Paul’s Coney Island) and begin their dream of owning a slice of the American pie.

Though Vasiliki loved working at their restaurant business and taking care of their children, Vasiliki’s favorite role was that as a grandparent. Vasiliki and Apostolos treasured their time with their grandchildren Evgenia (Eve), Menelaos, Vasilis (Billy) and Apostolos (Paul) and loved being their “Nona and Papou”, never failing to spoil or shower them with love and affection every chance they got.

Vasiliki was also fortunate enough to have 2 great grandchildren Michael and Adrianna who she loved very much and spent as much time with them whenever possible.

Vasiliki was also passionate about her role as co-owner of Paul’s Coney Island, the restaurant business that she and her husband had built over 25 years until their retirement in the late 1990’s. She enjoyed the day-to-day operations and always interacting with people, which brough her great joy as well as brightening up the lives of those that came into the restaurant.

She enjoyed working in her home garden, crafts and decorating their home. She also enjoyed music and you would sometimes find her dancing to a Greek song during special occasions.

Vasiliki will always be remembered for enormous heart, sweetness and warm hospitality and how she always went out of her way to make sure that you felt welcomed and as part of the family. We’ll always imagine hearing her say “Have more food, you’re too skinny” one more time. We couldn’t have asked for a better human and will miss her very day. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her.

Vasiliki was preceded in death by her parents and her daughter Konstantina, and is survived by her husband Apostolos, her son Dionysios, her daughter Kalypso, granddaughter Evgenia, grandsons Menelaos, Vasilis and Apostolos, and great grandchildren Michael and Adrianna and 10 nieces and nephews.

Although there isn’t a service at this time, donations that help fund advances in mental health illnesses and research would be greatly appreciated. Vasiliki had battled depression for over 30 years and without these programs, research and medical advances she would not have been able to live her life to the fullest.