Estelle Stilianos

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Estelle (Karalekas) Stilianos, 86, of Marblehead and Salem. She passed away on March 26, 2024 surrounded by family and friends at the Kaplan House in Danvers.

Born in Boston, she graduated from Swampscott High School in 1955. She received a degree in education from Salem Teachers College in 1959. Estelle had a 30 plus year career teaching elementary school students in Swampscott before retiring in 1994.

Estelle will always be remembered for her creativity, caring nature and love of laughter. With her children, grandchildren, and students, she served as an inspirational, nurturing, and loving figure. Throughout the years, she generously gave back to her church St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church of Lynn, and numerous charities.

For years a member of both Palmers Cove Yacht Club and Marblehead Yacht Club, she enjoyed time out on her boat, The Stillwater, with her family. Her greatest joy was time with her three grandchildren. Never missing a baseball game, football game, graduation, school event or party, she cherished every opportunity to be with her grandchildren.

Estelle was predeceased by her husband of 32 years George A. Stilianos; her parents, Steven and Sotaria (Sarris) Karalekas and her youngest brother Spike Steven Karalekas.

She is survived by her daughter, Stefanie Carr of Swampscott; son, Scott (Ruth) of Hayes, VA; Brothers, George Karalekas of New York, NY., and Peter (Mary) Karalekas of Kittery, ME; her sister in law Tina Karalekas of Swampscott; her grandchildren Nicholas Carr, Spencer Carr and Steven Stilianos (fiancé Madelynne Wahrmund).

Estelle and her entire family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to DeWayne Sullivan of Danvers for the love and support he has given and continues to give to Estelle and her family. The family wants to recognize and will be forever grateful to the staff of the John Bertram House of Salem for providing a warm and caring home these past several years.

Estelle will be laid to rest at Waterside Cemetery in Marblehead. A celebration of life is planned for later in the year. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Estelle’s memory to the Care Dimensions Kaplan House of Danvers; mail to Care Dimensions,75 Sylvan Street, Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923, www.caredimensions.org or Boston Childrens Hospital, www.childrenshospital.org

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