Georgia Poulos

Georgia Hotis Poulos, 88, passed to a peaceful realm on December 11, 2016. Our mom was born August 6, 1928 in El Paso, Texas to James and Alexandra (Mourgelas) Hotis, immigrants from Greece. She learned to speak Greek at home, Spanish in the neighborhood and English at school. In any language, Georgia was a consummate lady. In 1948, after her father passed, her mother brought Georgia and her two brothers to Phoenix where they were active in the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox community. At a Greek youth outing, she met the charismatically affable Lou Poulos. Through their 57 years of marriage, Georgia was active with many community organizations, including Brophy/Xavier (Mother's Guild President), Phx Art Museum, Republican Women and the Phx Greek Festival. She served as an executive for the local Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and American Diabetes Association. Quietly, she helped many individuals with selfless devotion. She was proud of graduating from Arizona State Magna Cum Laude and remained a staunch Sun Devils football fan. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, Shakespeare and keeping in shape. Her greatest role was mother to her three children. She managed our active household, juggling school activities, sports events, dance recitals. It was important to her to teach us the language, culture, religion and traditions of our Greek heritage, which enrich us. Our mom was able to remain in our family home, which she and our dad built in 1959. She said to us, “You’ll always have a place with me.” Now, her spiritual place within us remains indelible. We love you so much, Mom. She treasured being Yiayia (grandmother) to her three grandchildren, triplets. She and Papou (grandfather) were number one fans at their sports games and band concerts. She also was an engaged Thea (aunt) to multiple nieces and nephews and Nouna (godmother) to several loving godchildren. Georgia is predeceased by her son, James (esophageal cancer), husband, Lou, and brother, Stacy Hotis. Her legacy endures through her daughter, Deanne Poulos (Steve Goldstein); son, Alex (Shelli) Poulos and grandchildren, Sela, Ari, Alex; daughter-in-law, Tracy Poulos; brother, Tony (Ruth) Hotis; sister-in-law Bessie Hotis; an extended big, fat Greek family; as well as many cherished friends. In her memory, please contact someone you hold dear and let them know, “I’m thinking of you.” Visitation Thurs., Dec. 15, 6-8PM with Trisagion service at 7PM at A.L. Moore-Grimshaw, 710 W. Bethany Home Rd. Funeral service Fri., Dec. 16, 10AM at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1973 E. Maryland, Phx.