WILMINGTON, MA — Andrea K. Karalekas, age 25, of Wilmington, passed away suddenly on September 1, 2017.
Born in Stoneham on November 15, 1991, Andrea was the youngest child of Charles and Georgia (Boudouris) Karalekas. She grew up in Wilmington and was a graduate of Wilmington High School, class of 2010.
After high school, Andrea attended both Southern New Hampshire University and Le Cordon Bleu, where she studied Culinary Arts. She carried her passion for food and cooking to her time working for the Odyssey Cruises in Boston.
Andrea had many other passions and hobbies. Dance always held a special place in her heart. She danced competitively and especially enjoyed tap and musical theater. Andrea also spent many years playing field hockey and soccer. She loved music and often wrote her own lyrics and poetry. Andrea loved shopping for cosmetics and jewelry with her mom and hunting for the perfect cup of coffee together. She could also be found playing card games, winning at slot machines, and beating her dad in a game of air hockey.
Andrea was very proud of her Greek culture and heritage. She was a lifelong member of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church in Woburn, and she enjoyed going to Greek festivals and dancing to Greek music. Service was also very important to Andrea. A cause very dear to her was Alex’s Lemonade Stand, where she devoted time volunteering for childhood cancer.
Andrea’s love for her family was deep. She cherished many special Christmas traditions, trips to the beach with her cousins, and the time spent traveling together on Caribbean cruises, annual trips to Cape Cod and Weirs Beach, and day trips to Vermont and Newport. Her favorite time to take a day trip was in the fall for apple picking, farmer’s markets, and craft fairs. She also treasured her get togethers with her close friends. Andrea’s absence will leave a huge void in her family, and she will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her.
Andrea was the beloved daughter of Charles A. & Georgia A. (Boudouris) Karalekas of Wilmington. She was the loving sister of Athena M. Concannon & her husband Timothy of Watertown, and of Anthony C. Karalekas of Wilmington. She was the cherished granddaughter of Anthony K. & the late Nickaletta Karalekas of New Bedford and of the late Charles G. & Mary V. Boudouris of Reading. Andrea was the dear niece of Christine E. Boudouris of North Reading, George C. Boudouris of New York City, Paula A. Martin & her husband Anthony of Dartmouth, Christopher A. Karalekas of Shrewsbury, James A. Efstathiou of Woburn, and Daniel P. Romard of Waltham. She was the close cousin of Alexa Efstathiou & her daughter Layla Fralli, Andrew Efstathiou, and Gregory Martin. Andrea was the adored goddaughter of George C. and Constance L. Bebis of Lakeville, and she is also survived by many other relatives and friends.
Everyone will remember Andrea’s big heart and infectious smile. She always had a kind word to say about others and taught us all about unconditional love.
Family and friends will gather for a Funeral Service on Friday, September 8th, at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 70 Montvale Ave., Woburn at 10:00 a.m. Please go directly to the church. Interment to follow in Wood End Cemetery, Franklin Street, Reading. Visiting hours will be held at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62) Wilmington, on Thursday, September 7th, from 4-8 p.m.
Memorial donations in Andrea’s name can be made to Spring Lake Ranch, 1169 Spring Lake Road, Cuttingsville, VT 05738 and Alex’s Lemonade Stand, 111 Presidential Boulevard, Suite 203, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004.
(NOTE: The above obituary is from Nichols Funeral Home.)
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