Alexandra Vasilomanolakis, aka Basil passed away just ten days before her 99th birthday, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, kindness, and unwavering love for her family, heritage, and faith. Born in Chania, Crete, Greece, in 1926, she lived a life marked by extraordinary courage, generosity, and devotion to those around her.

Her parents were John and Aglaia Polichronakis. John was a coal miner who survived the devastating Castlegate mining disaster in Utah, and Aglaia, a woman of immense kindness. Alexandra's early years were split between the United States and Greece. She came to Pennsylvania when she was 6 months old. Her exceptional intellect led to her being double-promoted three times in school. In 1939, her family settled permanently in Crete, just as World War II loomed over Europe.

During the war, her family's fluency in English made them invaluable to the Allied forces, particularly the ANZAC (Australian-New Zealand) soldiers stranded in Crete. As the Germans invaded, her family risked their lives to aid the British Commonwealth underground, hiding and feeding escaping soldiers in their home and in the caves in the hills. She would carry large bags of food to her father in the field to take to the soldiers in the caves. Multiple times she was stopped by German soldiers inquiring where so much food was going. She would tell them it was for her father and his workers in the fields. After the Germans settled into Crete, communication between the occupying forces and the villagers was challenging, as the Germans did not speak Greek and the locals did not speak German. However, since many of the German soldiers spoke English, Alexandra and her father became critical translators, facilitating communication between the occupiers and the occupied. Their ability to translate made them highly respected figures within the village and amongst the German personnel, and, at times, served as a protective buffer between the two sides. Their courage and linguistic skills played a vital role during those tumultuous years.  Their efforts for aiding the ANZAC soldiers  were later recognized with a special commendation from the British government and Field Marshal H.R. Alexander, Commander of the Mediterranean Forces.

After enduring the hardships of war, Alexandra and her family returned to the United States, eventually settling in Chicago. There, she met her husband, Costas, an engineer in the merchant marines and survivor of 2 ship sinkings. They married in 1950 and built a loving home for their two children, Mike and Joanne. Alexandra was a devoted mother, known for her exceptional culinary skills, warm hospitality, and generous spirit. Her home was a haven for family and friends, always filled with delicious food and heartfelt laughter.

Beyond her home life, Alexandra was a respected member of the community. She was president of the Cretan Ladies Organization in Chicago and a leader in her cultural and social circles. Later in life, after raising her children, she pursued a career as a Cosmetologist, excelling in her trade.

In 1981, she and Costas moved to Modesto, California, while their son, Mike, moved to Los Angeles to complete his training in cardiology. Their daughter, Joanne, had moved several years earlier to Oakland, where she was married and attended dental school.

Several years later, Costas suffered a stroke, and Alexandra became his devoted caregiver, attending to his every need until his passing in 1986. Her dedication was nothing short of saintly, as she ensured he was cared for with dignity and love, and made sure he went out for a ride every day to keep his spirits up.

Even in widowhood, she remained independent and active, building a condominium complex in her beloved Crete and traveling there in her wheelchair alone each year until 2019, till the age of 93. She refused having a companion on her trips as she would claim that she had figured it out . Whoever accompanied her would have to push her chair and carry the luggage. When she went alone they automatically assigned two porters to her one for the wheelchair and one for the luggage and she did just fine.

She embraced life with an unyielding spirit, maintaining her sharp intellect, humor, and passion for her Cretan roots. She read two newspapers daily, cooked daily, and continued to share her wisdom with those around her. She enjoyed cooking Kalitsounia, a Cretan delicacy, which brought many from far to enjoy

In 1991, on the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Crete, Alexandra and her late father's heroic contributions were honored when several Australian and New Zealand soldiers they had helped traveled to their village in search of them, eager to pay their respects. Their legacy lived on into 2011, at the 70th anniversary, when many ANZAC descendants and surviving veterans gathered once again. When they learned that Alexandra, now 85, was present, they invited her to speak. Though unprepared, she delivered a moving, 45-minute speech to a crowd of 350, speaking from the heart and leaving many in tears. Many came forward to kiss her hands in gratitude.

In a moment of profound reverence, members of the Māori delegation placed upon her their ceremonial cloak, a sacred honor traditionally reserved for their leaders. For days afterward, she was embraced, kissed, and continually honored with the cloak, wherever she went. She received countless flowers, which she later placed tenderly on the grave of her beloved parents. The outpouring of love and respect was profoundly touching—a beautiful tribute from a grateful people to a woman who, along with her father, had once stood beside them in their time of need

At the age of 96, she was preparing for yet another journey to Greece when an unfortunate accident led to a long and difficult medical battle. Despite her struggles, she remained resilient and alert, demonstrating the same strength that had defined her entire life. She passed peacefully, surrounded by the love of her devoted family.

Though she had no siblings, she was deeply connected to her extended family, cherishing her many first cousins and maintaining lifelong friendships. She lived to see nearly all of her peers pass before her, yet she never lost her warmth, wisdom, or ability to inspire those around her.

Alexandra was a woman of immense faith, deeply devoted to God and Saint Nektarios. She carried herself with grace, never speaking ill of anyone, and always offering sage advice. She would end all conversations by giving her blessings (ευχή) to whomever she spoke to. She would frequently quote Cretan mandinades, poetic sayings, in her conversations to add greater meaning and understanding to the discussion at hand. Her youthful spirit, generosity, and unwavering love for others made her an inspiration to all who knew her.  She also had exceptionally youthful skin and looked much younger than her age would suggest.

She is survived by her beloved son, Mike (Niki) Vasilomanolakis, and her gracious and ever-caring daughter, Joanne Lagos.  She also leaves behind her cherished granddaughter, Nectaria (Jeremy) Lovejoy along with her joyful great-grandchildren, Jack and Demi as well as her dear and beloved grandson, Costas (Stephanie) Vasilomanolakis

Alexandra was truly an extraordinary Christian woman. We were blessed with her love and her guidance in our lives and she will be dearly missed.

The Trisagion service was at 6pm on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at Ascension Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 4700 Lincoln Avenue, Oakland, CA 94602. The funeral service was at 10:30am on Monday, March 24, 2025 at Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church, 20104 Center Street, Castro Valley, CA 94546. Interment was at 1pm on Monday, March 24, 2025 at Mountain View Cemetery, 5000 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland, CA 94611. Makaria luncheon followed interment at Ascension Greek Orthodox Church, Richmond Room.

May her memory be eternal.

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