Elaine Alexiou

Elaine Alexiou died on April 26th at her home, surrounded by her family after an unexpected diagnosis with pancreatic cancer. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who loved to entertain, travel the world, read books on her kindle, and cook delicious Greek food. She was even working on her own cookbook with her granddaughter, Kate when she fell ill.

Elaine was born in Newport, New Hampshire, the youngest of her four siblings. She attended University of New Hampshire and Keene’s Teacher’s College, and later moved to New York City where she worked as a legal secretary. Shortly after, she met her husband Jim when he visited her cousin Spike while he was on leave from the army. Jim and Elaine were married shortly after and moved to Boston. After having children, Stephanie and Tom, Jim and Elaine moved from Massachusetts to Irvine, California when Jim took a job as president of Irvine Sensors.

Elaine was a dedicated member of St. Paul's Greek Orthodox Church, the Philharmonic Society of Orange County, Irvine Center Club, and her investment group, Chix and Stocks. She had a larger than life personality and made a memorable impression on everyone she met. On a sunny day, you could catch her driving around Orange County in her stylish Lexus convertible with the Pink Martinis playing and her raspberry red nails tapping along to the music.

Spending time with Elaine’s children and grandchildren brought her the most joy. She and Jim attended every important event in their family's lives, from graduations to soccer games to piano and dance recitals. Her grandchildren would always argue about who got the great honor of sitting next to her at meals and family gatherings.

Elaine was the perfect balance of sweet and strong willed. Throughout her entire life, she always knew exactly what she wanted and would never take no for an answer. She will be incredibly missed by those around her, but will live on in her countless stories and recipes.

Elaine is survived by her husband, Jim Alexiou, children, Stephanie Hubbard and Tom Alexiou, grandchildren, Celia Hubbard Ryan, Kate Hubbard, James Alexiou, Lily Hubbard, Sophie Alexiou, Bennett Alexiou, and great grandchild, Nate Ryan.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Trisagion (prayer service) on Monday, April 29th at 7pm at Pacific View and a funeral service on Tuesday, April 30th at 11am at St. Paul's Greek Orthodox Church in Irvine followed by a makaria (mercy meal) luncheon. The burial will take place at Pacific View at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests all donations be made to Project Mexico (www.projectmexico.org).

Locations:

Pacific View Memorial Park: 3500 Pacific View Drive, Corona Del Mar, CA.

St. Paul's Greek Orthodox Church: 4949 Alton Pkwy, Irvine, CA.