Chrisoula “Goldie” Karides departed this life peacefully on February 18 at home surrounded by family to be reunited, in the care of the Lord, with her loving husband of 60 years, Constantine “Gus” James Karides who predeceased her.  Born in Albany, NY on October 15, 1925 to Greek immigrant parents, Savas Peter and Julia Triantafilou Mafilios, she was a graduate of Albany High School and an active member of St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church, as well as a cherished member of the Philoptochos Women’s Philanthropic Society of the Greek Archdiocese of America.  She worked for a time at the Travelers Insurance Company of Albany, and after her high school sweetheart returned from overseas service in World War II, Goldie and Gus were married on June 1,1947.

When the family settled in Virginia Beach, VA in 1964, she worked alongside her husband and brother-in-law George to start the Mister Jim’s Submarine Sandwich Shops, still in operation to this day.  Her support was what made all of her husband’s many business enterprises possible, as the guiding light of Goldie’s life was her devotion to family.  Possessed of a warm smile and a gracious disposition, she welcomed any visitor to her home.  Part of that welcome was usually an offer of Greek pastries that said “I am glad you are here.  Please stay a while.”  Her Greek cooking was famous, particularly her spanakopita and dolmathes, but it was not unusual for her grandchildren away at college or far from home to receive a well wrapped care package of her chocolate chip cookies.

She spent her later years in the special, loving care of her daughter Lillian, and her son-in-law Randy (whom she would call her “best friend”), in Newport, NC.  Through their devotion she enjoyed many celebrations and holidays, with family coming from all over to see her.  The family wishes to thank her doctor of many years, Dr. Bill Walker, who took such care of her and was always available when needed. The family also wishes to thank all the staff at Carteret Health Care who got to know her as “Miss Goldie”, and all the wonderful caregivers at Home Helpers as well as 3HC Hospice Care. The family extends a very special thanks to her personal caregiver, Martha Pfaff, who loved and befriended her and cared for her during her last days. Without these most dedicated individuals the family could not have honored their mother’s wishes to be at home.

From the births to the ballgames, Goldie traveled constantly as a loving presence in the lives of her children and grandchildren.  She gave tender care to the newborns, babysitting them, cheering them on, and offering an unconditional love and support that will be remembered always.  Her example is not only remembered but cherished for what is important in life- love and family- as a blessing to us all.  And, Goldie is part of a generation, now in its final passage, born between two world wars and into the Great Depression.  They encountered times of great upheaval and uncertainty, and from that they built a better world.  Goldie made the world a better place, and while her family and friends grieve her loss, they have nothing but love and gratitude for her memory.

Goldie is survived by her three siblings, Achilles Mafilios (wife Anna), Peter Mafilios (wife Irene) and Helen Ann Cassell; her three children, Lillian Hingson (husband Randy), Diana J. Karides, and James Peter Karides (wife Guzin), as well as her ten grandchildren: Constantine “Dean” Hingson, Randal Peter Hingson, and Christina Hassell (husband Josh); Margaret Hudson, Eric Hudson, Sarah Alderman (husband Marshall), and Rachel Page (husband William); Adam James Karides, James Baodan Collins, and Neos James Karides; and two great grandchildren, Ava Lillian Hassell & Luke Joshua Hassell; and two godchildren, Emanual Mafilios and Paul Amanatides; as well as many, many nieces and nephews who adored their Aunt Goldie.

A private funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at 1:00 PM at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Virginia Beach by Fr. John Manuel. Interment will follow at Princess Anne Memorial Park. Arrangements have been entrusted to Altmeyer Funeral Home – Maestas Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Crystal Coast Hospice House, 100 Big Rock Weigh
PO Box 640, Newport, NC 28570 (https://www.crystalcoasthospicehouse.org/donate-now/).