Obituaries

Anastasia “Tasia” Argires, 93

January 08, 2024

Anastasia “Tasia” (Koutroulakis) Argires of Lancaster, PA—devout Greek Orthodox Christian, ardent fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide, and wife of the late neurosurgeon Dr. James P. Argires, MD—passed away on Monday, January 8th, 2024 at the age of 93.

A member of the Silent Generation, Tasia was born on June 28th, 1930 in Birmingham, Alabama to George and Eugenia (Poulos) Koutroulakis, who had emigrated from a village outside Sparta to build lives in America.

Tasia enjoyed a formative childhood of Greek-American community, supplementing her American education with language and cultural schooling through the Greek Orthodox Church. As a young adult she served as national secretary during the founding of the Greek Orthodox Youth of America (GOYA), earning the honor of Miss Neolea (“youth”) in 1951.

During the Korean War, she worked for the draft board of the U.S. Government Selective Service—a duty she recalled with enthusiasm for the remainder of her life—and was later employed in the U.S. Treasury Department.

She met her husband, Jimmy, who was home on leave from the Marine Corps, at a national GOYA convention in 1953. After three dates, they married.

Tasia provided bedrock support for Jimmy’s neurosurgical career as a homemaker for 65 years, raising three children, serving as president of the Lancaster Auxiliary to the Lancaster General Hospital, and mastering several Greek pastries—most notably paximathia and kourambiethes.

Together they traveled the world, from Uzbekistan to the Holy Land. This exposure fueled her love of languages, which extended beyond her fluent Greek to the study of Spanish, Italian, and French.

Like her husband, Tasia was a ferocious fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide football program, following generations of coaches and players. She also enjoyed sports herself, especially tennis, skiing, and duckpin bowling.

In the 1960s, Jimmy’s career moved the family from Birmingham to Lancaster, PA “for one year.” They stayed for 60.

Here Tasia became a lively member of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, volunteering with tireless dedication to its numerous cultural and philanthropic projects. In the 1970s she founded the annual Greek Bazaar’s “Athenian Room,” which she helped stock by sourcing jewelry and other goods from artisans in Athens. She also taught “Greek School” to the church’s youth and served many years in the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society.

Tasia and Jimmy were also lifelong members of the Lancaster Country Club and the Hamilton Club.

After her husband’s death in 2019, Tasia spent her remaining years with her daughter, Kathleen, and family, exhausting the LNP puzzle page and reading many mysteries. She also volunteered at the Ann Barshinger Cancer Center and the Boys & Girls Club of Lancaster.

She is survived by her sister, Lula Christ, and preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Constantine “Gus” Koutroulakis (of Birmingham’s Pete’s Famous Hot Dogs) and Dr. Samuel Koutroulakis of Beaufort, SC.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 10:30am at The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church 64 Hershey Ave. Lancaster, PA 17603 with The Rev. Hector Firoglanis officiating. Viewings will be held on Friday evening from 6-8pm with a Trisagion Service at 7pm and again from 9:30am-10:30am prior to the service, all at the Greek Church. Interment will be in Conestoga Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Philoptochos Society at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.

Roll tide and να πας στο καλό.

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Condolences to the Family

January 18, 2025

Tasia was a kind, gentle, brilliant and fun woman. We came to know her family better through our neighborhood gatherings and we knew her- and Jim- for years before. Our condolences to Kathy, and all of the family. We are all less without Tasia.
Dr. Jay and Anne Butterfield

February 01, 2024

Dear family,
I was saddened to learn of Tasia’s passing today. So many memories of our parents together enjoying life, their friendship, their love of the church, and their families. Tasia and Jim were beautiful people whom my family admired. They led with passion and genuine authenticity. Living in the south for many years, I can appreciate Tasia’s southern hospitality that drew one in. Know they were loved and are missed.
Cindy Oak, daughter of Nick and Stella Gianopoulos

January 26, 2024

I’m so sorry for your loss. I apologize that I did not realize what happened in time to come to Tasia’s services to pay my respects. This is Anna Sears from Home Instead. I enjoyed my time serving Tasia. She was a lot of fun and I know she is greatly missed by all of you. Thank you so much for the generous Christmas gift. Thank you for all of your kindness and graciousness. Sincerely, with love Anna

January 23, 2024

Tasia was such a joy to have in the volunteer department at Lancaster General. She had a wonderful personality which endeared her to many patients and staff. She will be greatly missed.
Maria Shedleski and Beth Metzger

January 15, 2024

Tasia was always happy and enthusiastic. I enjoyed duckpin bowling with her for many years, a sport in which she was very talented. My sincere condolences to her family. Molly Milner

January 14, 2024

Dear Kathy and family, we send our deepest condolences for your loss, but we know that the people we love never truly leave us. We all have such fond memories of your mother that will stay with us.
love, Evgenia Pierri and family (Alexandra and Aggelos)

January 13, 2024

My sincerely condolences. Tasia now is resting beside lord. In so short time There I know Tasia couldn’t not love her she was amazing and be forever in my heart
Andrenes Da Silva DeGennaro

January 13, 2024

Kathy and Family, We send our heartfelt sympathies as we remember your mother Tasia, a lovely, graceful, southern lady. Tasia and Jimmy both are remembered very fondly. Sam Fokas and Family

January 12, 2024

Our deepest sympathy to the Argires family. Tasia was classy,elegant and always down to earth friendly. Her presence and her smile will be missed at medical and hospital functions in Lancaster County. We were all lucky that she and Jimmy decided to make Lancaster their home! Dr Gerald and Carla Rothacker

January 12, 2024

We want to express our sincere sympathy for the loss of your mother. Your mother and father were great friends of mine for many, many years and I will always cherish the memories of our travels together.
Costas Politis

January 12, 2024

Our deepest condolences to the family..May her memory be eternal.. Nadia and Bader Bibawy

January 12, 2024

Such a beautiful tribute to a life well lived. My sincere condolences to all and may her memories comfort you… so very sorry for your loss…
Lori Hemphill

January 11, 2024

Our Earthly loss is Heaven’s gain. Your mom was a woman of grace and compassion, whose example should be emulated.
Michael Shaub

January 11, 2024

Our deepest condolences very sorry for your loss, her memory journal
We are very sorry we can’t be there. We are are away in Aruba.
Gus and Eleni Kourgeis

January 11, 2024

Tasia was a lovely woman, I only met her once in the past ,but I knew her through the eyes and beautiful discussions of my neighbor giagia Evaggelia in Kos…She had so many beautiful memories and lovely words to say about this woman, it was like knowing her. Her politeness and elegance , the quiet and respectfull character , was hard not to observe…Our sincere condolences to the family, may God rest her in peace and find the old beloved ones and create the friends-family companion in Paradise Chrisa Nikoli

January 11, 2024

Argires Family,
so very sorry to see your mothers passing. We always enjoyed her kindness and welcoming personality and of course her southern accent. May her memory be eternal. Anne & Chris Xakellis

January 10, 2024

Perry my thoughts are with you and your family. I didn’t know your mom well but she was always kind and friendly to me. You could tell her spirit was strong. Being married to your dad for all those years would have required a strong person to match his dynamic approach to life. Sorry for your loss.
Stacey Youcis

January 10, 2024

Kathy, I am truly saddened from the passing of your mother. She was a great person and welcomed Renee and I to Lancaster even before we actually relocated to the area. She, along with your father, made sure that we acclimated to the area and introduced us to people and places. I will always be grateful for her caring.
Pete Velotas

January 10, 2024

Dear Kathy and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. Tasia was such a warm and welcoming person. My kids still talk about how she always tried to connect with them and how she showed her love for little kids. She and your dad will remain in our thoughts and prayers. May their memories be eternal. And may the happy memories of them provide you comfort.
Deedee Staikos and family

January 10, 2024

Tasia, I am so, so saddened you have left us, however, you are with God–a better and beautiful place. I have been reminiscing about many years we had together. I am so happy I got to visit you in August. Now, I am the only sibling left. I love you with all my heart as it is truly broken. May your memory be eternal, With love, Lula, your sister

January 10, 2024

Much love and heartfelt condolences to all of Tasia’s family… I have many fond memories of her and Jimmy. What an extraordinary couple and example to us all! May her memory be eternal and a blessing to all who loved her.
Kathy Chakides Gaffos

January 10, 2024

I’ve been blessed to have known Dr. and Mrs Argires for the last forty years by knowing and being friends with Kathy and Robert Pianka. I loved both of them, Mrs Argires was so sweet and kind, I so enjoyed her company and beautiful smile. I will miss seeing her. I send my deepest condolences to the Family. Rest peacefully in Heaven Ma Tasia.
Yolonda Christian

January 10, 2024

So sorry for your loss
Kenny & Suzanne Myers

January 10, 2024

Sorry…she was a delight, and we are so grateful that we got to meet her…please take care…💕
Scott and Cheryl Fairchild

January 10, 2024

I was so saddened to hear of Mrs.Argires’ passing. I met her through working with Dr. Argires. She was the sweetest lady and so much fun to talk to. RIP. Prayers to her family.
Vicki Geib

January 10, 2024

The Argires were wonderful people. Loved talking to jimmy and going to Greek bazaars. Rest in peace. Together again
Danielle Pannebecker

January 10, 2024

My heart is happy she’s with her husband,

I miss her smile at ABBCI, always smiling. you will be dearly missed
Becky ABBCI

January 10, 2024

My sincere regards and love to the entire family and especially to Kathy for the lose of Tasia– a good citizen to her community whose strong eleemosinary spirit touched many lives and a good friend to all.

Connie Kondravy

January 09, 2024

Our sincere condolences to all of the Argires family what a privilege it was to work with Dr Argires and getting to know Tasia and your family We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers
Terry & Linda Bracken

Visitation: Friday, January 12, 2024; 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM; The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church; 64 Hershey Ave.; Lancaster, PA
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >
Visitation: Saturday, January 13, 2024; 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM; The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church; 64 Hershey Ave.; Lancaster, PA
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >
Services: Saturday, January 13, 2024; 10:30 AM; The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church; 64 Hershey Ave.; Lancaster, PA
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >