Margaret Semetis

Margaret “Rita” Semetis, of Whitestone, N.Y., 88 years old, passed away on Saturday, May 31, 2014 at home. She was born in Parori, Sparta, Greece on April 14, 1926 . She was the daughter of Rev. George and Presvitera Helen Apostolakos and was the eldest of 7 children. She graduated from Sparta High School and immigrated with her family to the U.S. in 1947, entering the N.Y. harbor on the U.S.S. Saturnia. She attended and graduated with Honors from St. Basil’s Teaching Academy in Garrison, N.Y. Margaret “Rita” was very successful as a Greek Teacher, working at St. Spyridon Parochial School in Manhattan and later taught the Greek Language privately. She then became a successful Licensed Real Estate Saleswoman. In 1952, Margaret “Rita” married Chris “Christopher” V. Semetis and had two children, Dean and Helen. Margaret was a devoted member of the Senior Church Choir for many years at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Flushing, Queens. She was an active member and participant of the Women’s Philoptohos Society at St. Nicholas and had a passion for helping others in a philanthropic way, showing kindness, helping the homeless immigrants from Albania, as well as supporting, advising, and helping family and extended family in any way she could. She was someone that everyone could rely on. Margaret was a devoted and spiritual Greek Orthodox Christian and offered optimism and encouragement to all. Her vitality and energies were limitless and others needs always came first before her own. She was passionate about being a mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and aunt, freely showing her devotion and love. Survivors include her daughter Helen Wells and her husband Michael of Goldens Bridge N.Y.; five grandsons, Steven, Nicholas, and Andrew Wells,; Chris and Peter Semetis; and numerous nieces and nephews. She also leaves four sisters, Garifalia Demeson, Katherine Theodosis, Presvitera Christine Govits, and Pauline Nomikos. Besides her parents, Margaret “Rita” was predeceased by her son Dean Semetis, her brothers Rev. Paul Apostolakos and John Apostolakos.

Funeral service will be held at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church at 196th St. and Northern Blvd. Flushing at 12:00 noon on Tues. June 3rd, 2014.

Viewing will be on Monday, June 2nd between 2pm-5pm, 7pm-9pm at Fredericks Funeral Home, 192nd St. and Northern Blvd. Flushing, N.Y. 11358