Coula Karahalios Kootsikas, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, and friend to all, passed away June 4, 2019, at the age of 91 embraced by her family. Coula was born in Hibbing, Minnesota and raised by George and Maria Karahalios, Greek immigrants drawn to northern, MN by employment opportunities at the Great Northern Railroad. After attending the University of Minnesota, Coula's first teaching assignment was in Maple Lake, MN after which she soon met her husband, John Kootsikas at an AHEPA event in Minneapolis and were married for 55 years. John and Coula lived their first five years in Oakes, North Dakota and then moved to Long Beach, California in 1959 at the urging of her brother, Nick Karahalios, DDS.

In 1960, John and Coula moved to Rossmoor, CA, where she lived for the remainder of her life. She raised three daughters while obtaining her master's degree from Long Beach State University and teaching at Wilson High School from 1964-1988.

Coula imbued the traits of her generation through her loyalty to others, conservativeness, and hard work underscored by her dedication to education. She loved all aspects of her church, including the annual Greek Festival and organizing/editing the church's Greek cookbook. Always active, even upon retirement, she dedicated her time to her family, friends, and church.

Her loving three daughters survive Coula; Maria (Paul Montalbano), Elaine (Fr. John Alexandres), and Joanne (Steve Stapakis); grandchildren Nicholas, Catherine, Christina Alexandres and John Stapakis, Carol Karahalios, sister-in-law, along with many nephews and nieces. Coula is also survived by her beloved cousin, Noula Papapetru, and extended-Montalbano family children and grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John Kootsikas in 2007.

The Trisagion will be at 7 pm on Tuesday, June 11, 2019 at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, 5761 E. Colorado Street, Long Beach, CA 90814. The funeral service will be at 11 am on Wednesday, June 12, 2019, also at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church. Instead of flowers, please consider contributing to the Assumption Scholarship Fund.

Arrangements under the direction of Chapman Funeral Homes - Terry & Mary Harmon, Funeral Directors. Toll free (855) 628-0447.

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Obituary notice for Chapman Funeral Homes. Please visit www.chapmanfuneraldirectors.com .

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