Doris Tsolis

Doris was born on March 18, 1925, to Eugenia and Spiro KairJanis in Manari, which is in the Arcadian region of Greece. She was one of eight siblings, having four brothers and three sisters. Their childhood was spent working on the family farm in the mountainside to produce food for themselves as well as their community.

Doris had a desire to learn the sewing trade at a young age. This passion led her to Athens to continue acquiring the trade with her brothers. Soon after, her journey to America began through traveling to Canada with her first cousin John Gettis. There she met her husband Peter Tsolis who had known the KariJanis family and their four beautiful daughters. He was already living and working in the United States. Doris and Peter fell in love and were married in London, Ontario in 1958. They settled in Chicago and had two boys, Nick and Bill. She continued her passion for sewing by providing services for the Greek Church in Chicago. Together Doris and Peter decided to pursue his dream of moving west to the sunshine state with their young boys.

In California, Doris continued her work of raising the children and supporting Saint Nicholas Greek Church through the use of her hands and heart. She adored working with the dancers and costuming them. Always an unselfish person, Doris volunteered countless hours at the church, and took care of elderly people. As in her youth, Doris was gifted at growing an amazing garden, which she lovingly and openheartedly shared with her family and friends. Even in her waning days, Doris was always concerned about taking care of others and their needs. She never lost sight of her roots and was also very proud to become a United States citizen.

Doris is survived by her loving sons Nick (wife Lisa) and Bill and her sister Vasiliki. She is preceeded in death by her husband Peter, her sisters Eleni, Soula and brothers John, Nick, Costa, and George. Her six grandchildren will miss their sweet Yiayia.

Nick and Lisa would like to extend deep gratitude to the Cedar Creek family-staff who cared so graciously for Doris over the last four years.

A Trisagion (wake) will be held at 7:00p.m., Tuesday, April 12th, at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 1260 Davis Street, San Jose, California, 95126. The funeral service is scheduled for 10:00a.m., Wednesday, April 13th, at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Doris’ name to the Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Building Fund (mailing address: 986 Chapman Street, San Jose, CA 95126).