Arianthi Coussoulis' Obituary
Arianthi Coussoulis (93) Born in Summersworth, NH passed away in Colton, CA on March 10, 2011. Her Husband James, who preceded her in death in 2002, fought against the Nazis in WWII in the hills of Northern Greece. During the Nazi occupation, James and his wife Arianthi nurtured and protected their children, denying themselves to make sure the children were sheltered and fed, under the most difficult of conditions. They kept their family together through all the pain and turmoil of the war despite their anguish of losing a son and other family members. Seeking a better life for their family they immigrated to America in 1948 with few possessions other than the clothing they were wearing. Her husband, James who was a learned man in Greece, took whatever job he could find to support their family when they arrived in Brunswick, Maine. He worked as a cook until the café in which he worked was sold. He was offered a job as a cook by the same owner if he would relocate to San Bernardino. Having few options and little money, they accepted. The family and everything they owned was packed in the employer’s car and they journeyed to California. The year was 1952. Though they could not speak English well, they were not afraid of hard work and always provided for their family. Their love of God and family allowed them to raise their children with dignity, respect for authority, and a strong desire to obtain an education. One of the proudest moments of their life, was when the athletic arena at Cal State university- San Bernardino was named after her and her husband. Their comment regarding this great honor was, “Only in America!”
Arianthi is survived by her son, Nicholas and his wife Christina of Indian Wells, CA; son, Gregory of Tuscon, AZ. ; daughter, Tina Ferrero and husband Raymond of Redlands; grandchildren, Arianthi Ferronato and her husband John, Angela Evans and her husband Joel, James Ferrero and Gregory Ferrero; great-grandchildren, Nicholas and Joseph Ferronato, Demitri and Chistina and Amber and Bee.
The Trisagion Service was held a Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church, 1035 Inland Center Drive on Monday, March 14, 2011 at 7:00 PM and the funeral servicewas held on Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 11:00 AM with interment at Mt View Cemetery in San Bernardino.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church
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