Afroditi Giannouklas

Afroditi Giannouklas, a devoted mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully at her home on February 26, 2026, at the age of 88, surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her daughters, Paula Giannouklas and her husband, Michael Karukas, and Georgia Cottrell and her fiancé, Gary Stock; and by her cherished grandchildren, Christiana and Richard Cottrell III. She is also survived by her brother, Nicholas, and his wife, Christina, along with their son George Stamatopoulos, all residing in Sparta, Greece; as well as her nephew Taki and his wife Aleka, and many dear nieces, nephews, and their families.

Born in the small village of Riviotissa in the Sparta region of Greece, Afroditi affectionately known as “Freda,“ was the daughter of George and Georgia Stamatopoulos. In 1966, at the age of 29, she immigrated to the United States after marrying her husband, Christos Giannouklas. After his passing, she found herself raising two teenage daughters on her own. With unwavering determination, she worked tirelessly to provide for them, ensuring they received good educations and built successful careers.

Afroditi worked at Clairol before becoming well known for cooking Greek specialty dishes in several Greek restaurants across Stamford, including the Government Center. She treated every workplace as if it were her own. Food was her love language, and she never lost her passion for serving others. Her warm smile greeted her customers every day, and her work brought her purpose and joy. She continued working until the age of 82, when her health no longer allowed her to do what she loved.

Her other great passion was her garden. She took enormous pride in growing vegetables, and when she wasn’t with her loved ones, she could always be found tending to her plants. Over her 59 years in Stamford, residents came to know and recognize her friendly, familiar face. She will long be remembered for her generous spirit and for her famous rice pudding. Though many have tried to follow her recipe, no one has ever been able to duplicate it.

Afroditi was selfless in every way. No matter what challenges she faced, she wore a smile. She taught her children that with hard work, humility, and perseverance, anything is possible. Her pride in her children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments was immeasurable, and her face lit up whenever she spoke about, or spent time with the grandchildren she adored with all her heart.

Within the Greek community, she built friendships that became lifelong bonds she deeply cherished. Family was the center of her world, and everything she did was for them. She touched countless lives along her journey, leaving an indelible mark on every heart she encountered. Her legacy continues in all who loved her.

Wake services will be held at Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home, 104 Myrtle Ave., Stamford, CT, on Sunday, March 1st, from 4 PM to 7 PM, with a Trisagion service beginning at 6:30 PM. The funeral service will take place on Monday, March 2nd at 10 AM at the Church of the Archangels, 1527 Bedford Street, Stamford, CT 06905. Interment will follow at St. John Cemetery in Darien, CT.

Our hearts are forever changed by the loss of our beloved mother and grandmother. She was our pillar of strength and unconditional love. Her smile could light up any room, and her generous spirit made everyone feel welcome and cherished. She taught us that kindness costs nothing, that hard work builds a meaningful life, and that family is everything. Though the void she leaves is immeasurable, we find comfort in the countless memories she gifted us.

Mom, your love will guide us always. You will be deeply missed, endlessly loved, and never forgotten. We will continue to make you proud. Until we meet again.