With deep sadness we announce the falling asleep of Matina "Matoula" Apostle on January 21, 2023 at the age of 93.

Matina was the third child in the family of James and Helen Papadakis. She was born outside of Sparta in the beautiful small town of Asopos, Laconia, Greece.

She had three pre-deceased siblings. First was Stavros James Papadakis. He was a civil engineer in charge of public works for the country of Greece after WWII. He was instrumental in building the harbor and the transportation system in Greece. Her sister Maria Kamarinou studied law. Her younger brother John James Papadakis was an accountant.

Matina was the right hand of her father helping him supervise the extensive agricultural properties and the production of many products including tons of olive oil at a very young age. She was very close to her father.

When she was twenty five years old her husband to be Anthony "Tony" Apostle saw Matina in the village at a local celebration for Panagia and asked her father for her hand in marriage. They were married days later and honeymooned in Rhodes. Tony proceeded to return to America and purchase a home for his bride so when she arrived in Long Beach, California, Matina found a fully furnished home waiting for her. They raised their sons in the Long Beach Church where they made many life long friends whom they still treasure today. Matina was active in the community, and a member of the Philoptochos.

She left Asopos, Greece leaving behind her family, relatives and cousins. When she came to America she was already pregnant with their first son Perry, a honeymoon baby. A year later their son James was born. Matina and Tony loved to help their family members and friends whenever they could. This even included hosting them in their own home while they transitioned to life in California.

Matina was happiest when she was entertaining and cooking; just being around her family made her heart happy. When you walked into their home,the first thing she would say is "Elate" (come in) and proceed to get some food on your plate in typical Greek fashion whether you were hungry or not. Her two grandsons, Anthony and Matthew can attest to that with fond memories from a young age. She would make a three course meal for Tony before he left for work at his restaurant every single night. They seldom ate out in restaurants themselves. She made everything taste so delicious and made the best spanakopita around. Rosie and Michelle Apostle continue to carry on that tradition with love and devotion.

She was warm and welcoming to everyone, and my goodness she loved to tell stories and a joke or two. Perry and James inherited her sense of humor often joining in with their quick wit.

Mama Matina, Thea, Nouna, Yiayia and Mom, as she was called, was such a classy, elegant, refined and the sweetest lady with never a negative word to say about anyone.

Matina's heart broke when her husband Anthony "Tony" preceded her in death and she was devastated when she lost her beloved son James. She looked to her grandsons Anthony and Matthew for her joy after that to try and mend her heart and later the arrival of her great-grandson James "Jimi" made her heart smile again.

She is survived by her son Perry and (Rosie who considered her like a second mom), grandsons Anthony and Matthew (Michelle), and great grandson James (named after her son). She also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews and sisters-in-law in the United States and Greece.

Our hearts are broken and we will always remember our beloved Yiayia and mom with fond memories and love. She will live within our hearts forever.

"Remember me when flowers bloom
Early in the spring.

Remember me on sunny days
In the fun that summer brings.

Remember me in the fall
As you walk through the leaves of gold,

And in the wintertime, remember me
In the stories that are told.

But most of all remember
Each day, right from the start,

I will be forever near
For I live within your heart."

Remember Me

Funeral will be at 11:00 am on Friday, January 27, 2023 at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, 5761 E. Colorado Street, Long Beach, California 90814. Makaria luncheon to follow at the Assumption Cultural Center. Interment will be private at a later date.

Memorial 40 day blessing on Sunday, February 26, 2023, also at the Assumption Long Beach Greek Church.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her name to the Assumption Church.

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.chapmanfuneraldirectors.com .

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