It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Harriett "Xari" Koliopoulos on September 12, 2023. She was nearly 90 years old. Harriett was preceded in death by her husband, all her siblings, her step son, koumbaroi (Soteri and Soteria Eliopoulos), and many friends. She is remembered as beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, koumbara, neighbor, and friend.

She brought the village-style community with her everywhere she went. Even when living in the busy cities of hyper-independent America, she got to know her neighbors, customers, and even, the mail carrier. She would often bring lemons from her thriving garden to the post office, bake her famous Greek shortbread cookies (kourambiedes) for holidays, and much more. Harriett's lemon chicken and potato recipe became known in the neighborhood as the "100 Mile Chicken," after a beloved neighbor proclaimed he would drive 100 miles to get it. Everyone who came to her house was treated like family. Neighbors became friends, she was known by everyone, and remains very loved. She will be remembered for her strength, work ethic, kindness, generosity, and hospitality. Many of her sayings and life lessons will be repeated, including the sayings: "Fasouli to fasouli, gemizi to sakouli." or "Giati pas siga? Giati viasome." And the poem "Pou Pas Karavaki?" Translations: "Bean by bean, the sack fills up." or "Why are you going slow? Because I am rushing." And the poem "Where Are You Going, Little Boat?"

Harriett (Katsiberis) Koliopoulos was born at the family home in the small village of Achaiko, Achaias, Greece on Dec. 28th 1933. The 3rd child of Christos and Vasiliki (Sakalis) Katsiberis' children. Sister to Andrew, Dimitra, Anastasis, Georgia (deceased in childhood), and twins - Eleftheria and Georgia. Life in the village was full of work to support daily life: tending to olive groves, picking grapes, managing house chores, and sewing. Harriett told stories of growing up in the village during the Italian and German Invasions of World War II, as well as the Greek Civil War. Whenever there was threat of air raids, she would run into the vineyards with baby twin siblings on her back until they found perceived safety. There was fear for the future and economic uncertainty. Harriett often shared how sugar and butter were infrequent luxuries as a result of the famine. While this time period was difficult, life continued and she did have positive memories. She spoke about playing Víjira and Biz, as well as sitting on the large boulders outside her house to talk with friends. This village (horio) is a place where everyone knew everyone. Harriett prided herself on her reputation, work ethic, and was known in the wider area for her beauty.

Although Harriett only had formal education until 6th grade, she was never short on lessons taught through life. She collected stories, idioms, and poems that she would recite, and later, teach her descendants. She faithfully read the Greek Farmer's Almanac "Kazamia" every day for years.

Sewing started at 12 years old, this skill proved to be invaluable as it became the backbone of her work. She was a seamstress in the village and her hands would later alter hundreds of wedding dresses.

In her 20s, she moved to Athens to work at the prestigious Grande Bretagne Hotel, where she laundered sheets and towels. She had a hard time being away from family and returned to the village to be with them.

Arranged marriages were common in these years. Harriett was married to Andrew Koliopoulos - who was coincidentally her neighbor - on January 19, 1964. This marriage unlocked new roles and opportunities for Harriett. She became step mother to Vasilios "Billy" Koliopoulos. She would also say good bye to her family once more, only this time, the destination was the United States. She was determined to support her family and unmarried sisters in the horio, and was finally able to see hope for the future.

Andrew and Harriett went by boat to New York in 1964, where they joined the many millions of immigrants trying to create a new future for themselves. They faced ethnic discrimination and Harriett had yet to learn English. Harriett would often share a story where she began working and could not answer when asked what her name was. They found work, saved money, and did the best they could to assimilate to life in the busiest city in America.

After a plea from her cousin, Georgia (Sakalis) Perris, they moved to Los Angeles, California. Her only child, Soteria "Ria", was born shortly after. Los Angeles is also where Harriett traded her needle and thread for an apron. Like many Greek Americans, Harriett and Andrew started work in the restaurant industry. This new beginning was made possible with the support from her uncles, George and Dino Sakalis, who had immigrated to the USA in 1911. The financial stability that came from restaurants paved the way for the family to purchase their first home in Los Feliz, California.

Harriett missed her family in Greece terribly. Although she was able to bring her sister, Eleftheria "Ritsa" (Katsiberis) Ragias, to America, she desired to return to Greece. In 1976, she sold everything and the entire family moved back. This time, she did not return to the village, but to the nearby city of Patras, where they lived for 5 years. Harriett was not convinced that being in Greece was the best for her family, so a return to California happened in 1981.

In 1986, Harriett and Andrew purchased a home in Anaheim, California. Harriett saw her daughter, Ria, get married in 1986 to George Tsavahidis. It was after this that she assumed the role of grandmother "yiayia" to Isaac and Andrea. In early 1995, Harriett experienced the loss of her mother and husband within 3 months of each other. After this great loss, she remained steadfast in guiding and supporting her family. Harriett sacrificed everything for the well-being of her family.

As a grandmother, Harriett had a significant role in helping raise them and reinforced Greek language and culture in the house. The grandkids would both live with her in their young adult years, which provided stability and consistency. Harriett also supported their education and eventual purchase of their own homes. She was generous in her love for her grandkids.

Around 2019, Harriett's health began to decline, and she was no longer able to work. This was especially challenging, as much of Harriett's identity revolved around her ability to provide for her family and work hard. It was this time that Soteria and her life partner, Andrew, began caregiving for her full time. Despite the many health challenges towards the end of her life, Harriett's funny personality and contagious smile always shined through.

She was laid to rest on September 15, 2023 in the village cemetery of Achaiko, alongside her husband. In the same cemetery rests her parents, and many of her siblings and friends.

Harriett is survived by her loving daughter Soteria Koliopoulos Rutland (Andrew), her grandchildren Isaac Tsavahidis and Andrea Lawrence (Brendan), her brother-in-law Dimitrios Ragias, her sister-in-law Athanasia Katsiberis, niece Christina (Ragias) Karmos (Tommy), nephew Pete Ragias (Maria), as well as an extensive family of close-knit nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, godchildren-Kathy and Alexandros, koumbaroi, and neighbors throughout the United States and Greece.

For more photos, please click "view photo galleries."

May her memory be eternal.

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

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

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