Obituary for Zoe Exarhopoulos (Kerasovitis)
Zoe (Kerasovitis) Exarhopoulos, beloved mother, “Yiayia,” sister and friend died Friday, February 11th, 2022, at her home in Norwood, Massachusetts surrounded by her loving family. She was 76 years old.
Zoe was born in Avgerinos, Greece on October 6th, 1945 to the late Anastasios and Vasiliki Kerasovitis. Shortly after marrying, she immigrated to Philadelphia, PA in 1967. After moving to Marlboro, MA and residing there for a few years, Zoe and her husband settled in Medfield, MA, where they established a long-standing business, Royal Pizza, and raised their family for over thirty years.
She is survived by her daughters Maria Behrakis (Sudbury, MA) and her husband Drake; Athena Kalemkeridis (Walpole, MA) and her husband Themis; Alexis Landry (Walpole, MA) and her husband Matthew, and her husband of 39 years, Dimitrios Exarhopoulos. In addition to her children, Zoe is mourned by seven beautiful grandchildren: Ellie, George, Stathis, Zoe, Demetri, James and Angela. She is predeceased by her brother John Karros and survived by her brothers Gus, Angelo and Nick Karros as well as several nieces and nephews.
Zoe’s family was at the center of her life. Her compassion and thoughtfulness were beyond compare and her love continues to radiate through her children, grandchildren and close family members that survive her. She lived for her grandchildren and they adore their “Yiayia”. She took pride in always being present for her children’s and grandchildren’s life milestones and accomplishments, including piano and dance recitals, school concerts, graduations, weddings, childbirths, and more. She never missed a birthday or name day, and one way she showed her love was through the act of giving small but meaningful gifts. The true gift of her love was in the everyday moments like bringing her grandkids freshly baked brownies after school, a new puzzle they’d enjoy together, or their favorite meal freshly cooked to make them happy and help out. She was an incredible cook and was happiest when her family gathered at her table to share a meal she’d prepared. She was an unwavering constant, the anchor of her family. Her generosity was boundless.
Her smile was radiant and gentle and her hugs offered warmth and comfort. Her infectious laugh, wonderful sense of humor and beautiful personality were known and loved by those close to her. She had the ability to make strangers into friends and family even after a short time. She came to this country and truly lived out the American dream through hard work, patience and sacrifice while maintaining and passing down beautiful Greek traditions to her family. Her earthly presence will be deeply missed but there is comfort knowing she will continue to look over us and live on through her loved ones eternally.
On Thursday, February 17th, 2022, there will be a visitation hour from 10:00-11:00 AM at St. Catherine Greek Orthodox Church, 119 Common St, Braintree, MA. The Funeral service will follow immediately at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at Vine Lake Cemetery in Medfield, MA.
In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to The Hellenic Cardiac Fund of Boston Children's Hospital, in memory of Zoe Exarhopoulos. Contributions can be made at bostonchildrens.org/givenow or by check. If submitting online, please check 'Yes, this is an honor or memorial gift', enter Zoe's full name, and for gift designation select 'other' and type in 'Hellenic Cardiac Fund'. Alternatively you can mail a check (payable to Boston Children's Hospital), to Boston Children’s Hospital Trust, 401 Park Drive Suite 602, Boston, MA 02215-5301. Please write Zoe Exarhopoulos in the memo line and include a note that the donation is for the Hellenic Cardiac Fund.
Zoe was born in Avgerinos, Greece on October 6th, 1945 to the late Anastasios and Vasiliki Kerasovitis. Shortly after marrying, she immigrated to Philadelphia, PA in 1967. After moving to Marlboro, MA and residing there for a few years, Zoe and her husband settled in Medfield, MA, where they established a long-standing business, Royal Pizza, and raised their family for over thirty years.
She is survived by her daughters Maria Behrakis (Sudbury, MA) and her husband Drake; Athena Kalemkeridis (Walpole, MA) and her husband Themis; Alexis Landry (Walpole, MA) and her husband Matthew, and her husband of 39 years, Dimitrios Exarhopoulos. In addition to her children, Zoe is mourned by seven beautiful grandchildren: Ellie, George, Stathis, Zoe, Demetri, James and Angela. She is predeceased by her brother John Karros and survived by her brothers Gus, Angelo and Nick Karros as well as several nieces and nephews.
Zoe’s family was at the center of her life. Her compassion and thoughtfulness were beyond compare and her love continues to radiate through her children, grandchildren and close family members that survive her. She lived for her grandchildren and they adore their “Yiayia”. She took pride in always being present for her children’s and grandchildren’s life milestones and accomplishments, including piano and dance recitals, school concerts, graduations, weddings, childbirths, and more. She never missed a birthday or name day, and one way she showed her love was through the act of giving small but meaningful gifts. The true gift of her love was in the everyday moments like bringing her grandkids freshly baked brownies after school, a new puzzle they’d enjoy together, or their favorite meal freshly cooked to make them happy and help out. She was an incredible cook and was happiest when her family gathered at her table to share a meal she’d prepared. She was an unwavering constant, the anchor of her family. Her generosity was boundless.
Her smile was radiant and gentle and her hugs offered warmth and comfort. Her infectious laugh, wonderful sense of humor and beautiful personality were known and loved by those close to her. She had the ability to make strangers into friends and family even after a short time. She came to this country and truly lived out the American dream through hard work, patience and sacrifice while maintaining and passing down beautiful Greek traditions to her family. Her earthly presence will be deeply missed but there is comfort knowing she will continue to look over us and live on through her loved ones eternally.
On Thursday, February 17th, 2022, there will be a visitation hour from 10:00-11:00 AM at St. Catherine Greek Orthodox Church, 119 Common St, Braintree, MA. The Funeral service will follow immediately at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at Vine Lake Cemetery in Medfield, MA.
In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to The Hellenic Cardiac Fund of Boston Children's Hospital, in memory of Zoe Exarhopoulos. Contributions can be made at bostonchildrens.org/givenow or by check. If submitting online, please check 'Yes, this is an honor or memorial gift', enter Zoe's full name, and for gift designation select 'other' and type in 'Hellenic Cardiac Fund'. Alternatively you can mail a check (payable to Boston Children's Hospital), to Boston Children’s Hospital Trust, 401 Park Drive Suite 602, Boston, MA 02215-5301. Please write Zoe Exarhopoulos in the memo line and include a note that the donation is for the Hellenic Cardiac Fund.