While our family is still mourning the loss of our patriarch, sadly we now have lost our matriarch. Dimitra (Marnelakis) Vourvachakis passed away in the arms of her only son on Monday, August 28th at the age of 86. She was the wife of the late Emmanouel Vourvachakis, who passed away on October 9, 2016. Dimitra was born on December 24, 1931 in Crete, the largest island of Greece. She was the daughter of the late Panagioti and Argiro (Skoulas) Marnelakis. Her father was a butcher and affectionately referred to her as Dimitroula. She was the 5th child in her family of 6 children. Her childhood endured many difficulties during the German occupation of Crete during WWII. Her hometown of Kadano was burned forcing her family to reside in the woods for years to come. Dimitra's daily task was to retrieve water for her family's survival. This was a daunting responsibility for such a young girl. The desperation of these challenging times bonded the siblings together in a lifelong commitment of love for one another. Dimitra immigrated to Montreal, Canada in 1967 to join her brother, the late Eftihios Marnelakis and her sister Eleni Stathatos. She returned to Chania in 1961 to marry her late husband Emmanouel Vourvachakis with their parents and siblings who resided there in attendance. The newlyweds immigrated to Montreal to begin their lives together. In 1963 their only son George was born. In 1971 the family came to the US where they would live for the rest of their 55 year marriage. She was a longtime standing member of the Assumption of Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church of Pawtucket. Later in life upon moving to Warwick she became a member of the Annunciation Church of Cranston. The family built many lasting friendships in both communities. George devoted his life to the care and needs of both his parents. The loving bond that held them together was true to the end. George is married to Ann and their 25 year marriage has been blessed by her 2 grandchildren. The twins Dimitri and Anastasia brought extreme joy into their grandparent's lives. She would always prepare a signature dish that only her hands could create for those whom she loved.
She is survived by her sister Eleni Stathatos and her husband Peter of Rhode Island. She is also survived by her sister in law Christine Marnelakis of Connecticut, as well as her beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers Eftihios Marnelakis of Connecticut, Yianni Marnelakis of Crete, as well as her sisters Pagona Katsigarakis and Viandriki Manousakis of Crete.
Visitation will begin at 11 A.M. on Friday, September 1st in the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, 97 Walcott St., Pawtucket, followed by a funeral service at 12:30 P.M. Burial will follow in St. John Ukrainian Cemetery, Hews St., Cumberland. Relatives and friends are invited. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association Rhode Island Chapter, 245 Waterman St., Suite 306, Providence, RI 02906.