Vaso Cynthia Xikes

Vaso Cynthia Xikes - September 29, 1931 - February 3, 2022

Cynthia was born and raised in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada by Greek immigrants Ismini and John Nikolou. She was a graduate of the University of Toronto where she majored in Philosophy and minored in Greek and Latin classics. She studied and played classical piano all her life. As an adult she studied at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto where she earned certificates in piano. She was a kindergarten and first grade teacher in Toronto, Canada. In 1965 she met her beloved, Nicholas Xikes, while vacationing in Greece. They married in 1967 and had two children, John and Rene. She was a Greek Orthodox Christian and was a devoted member of the church community of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Queens, NY where she continued her love of children and teaching as a Sunday school teacher and a leader in the boys and girls scouting programs. Many can recall the elaborate plays the scouts performed for the community. Her dedication extended with her contributions to the ladies Philoptochos and church festivals.

As a matriarch of a big Greek family, she hosted countless celebrations and holidays with family and friends throughout her life. An incredibly kind and selfless person, she cared for everyone in her family and extended family. A fabulous cook and homemaker; she took great pride in her home and family. Each and every celebration was filled with fabulous homemade food and desserts all beautifully and lovingly presented on her finest china. She loved to laugh, dance and have spirited philosophical conversations. She enjoyed bird watching, fashion, her backyard flower garden, and most importantly music. Her beloved grandchildren were her pride and joy.

Cynthia suffered with debilitating dementia since 2011. Her love of music never ceased. It was deep within her soul and was the one form of communication that never left her. She had an incredible fight and lived way past what many expected. Although she lost the ability to speak for many years her only words were “I love you” which she uttered to many people who were close to her.

She touched the lives of so many with her generosity, happy spirit and devotion to her family and friends.

Cynthia is predeceased by her husband of 43 years Nicholas Xikes, her brother, James Nikolou and brother-in-laws Greg Xikes and George Poulos, sisters-in-law Lillian Xikes, Mary Poulos, and Anastasia Bayly.

She is survived by her son John Xikes and daughter-in-law Joni Xikes, her daughter Rene Varriano and son-in-law Rob Varriano and her five grandchildren: Victoria and Natalie Xikes, Christopher, James, and Marina Varriano, her loving sister, Ana Booth and brother-in-law Peter Booth, sister-in laws Argie Xikes, Susan Dutton, Joanne Nikolou, and many loving nieces, nephews, and their children.

May her memory be eternal.

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“There are some who bring a light so great to the world, that even after they have gone, the light remains.” – Unknown

Reposing, Waterbury & Kelly Funeral Home on Tuesday from 2-4 PM & 7-9 PM. Funeral Service, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, New Rochelle, NY on Wednesday at 10 AM. Interment to follow at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Sleepy Hollow, NY.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Nicholas & Cynthia Xikes Memorial Fund for the Alzheimer's Association.

https://act.alz.org/site/TR?pg=fund&fr_id=1060&pxfid=23240

WATERBURY & KELLY FUNERAL HOME OF BRIARCLIFF MANOR

1300 Pleasantville Road

Briarcliff Manor, New York 10510

914-941-0838

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