Obituary of Alexandra Scantalides

Alexandra (Kiklis) Scantalides, 90, of Billerica formerly of Burlington, passed away peacefully at the Blaire House in Tewksbury on Friday  October 19, 2018.  She was the beloved wife of the late John G. Scantalides who passed away on November 27, 1993.  

Alexandra was born in Woburn, MA.  She was the daughter of Greek immigrants, the late Charles and Marina (Diamantis) Kiklis.  She is predeceased by brothers, James, Harry, Philip, Angelo, and Louis Kiklis and sisters, Mary Efantes, Anna Pappadopoulos and Katherine Kevgas.

Fondly known as Alex or Alice, she was raised and educated in Woburn.  She was a graduate of Woburn High School.  Alex would meet her future husband, John Scantalides, on a blind date.  They married in June 1964 and settled in Burlington.  As a family, Alex, John and their children took many memorable vacations. She loved her home and her life with John and their children.

She was a lifelong faithful member of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church in Woburn and served in her church choir for many years and volunteered at the church fairs. 

Alex worked as an Insurance Agent but her most valued role was that of a loving, nurturing wife, mom and homemaker.  She loved to work around the yard gardening.  She enjoyed bowling, playing “Click Clack” (Skat) with family, volunteering at church, Greek dancing and vacationing with her family at their vacation home on Cape Cod.   She was the ultimate hostess and enjoyed welcoming her family into her home. She was a wonderful cook and made many of the Greek dishes and pastries she learned from her mother and mother-in-law. 

Alex’s greatest joy was becoming a grandmother.  She was an important part of her grandchildren’s lives as they were growing up whether it was babysitting, attending school events, and any other activity or sport they participated in.  Affectionately known as “Nene”, she was a wonderful grandmother.  When her grandchildren were little, she enjoyed taking them to Simonds Park in Burlington and Horn Pond in Woburn where they enjoyed many special times together.

Alex was a woman of strength and a wonderful role model to her children and grandchildren.  Her family learned well from her and when she could no longer care for herself, she moved in with her daughter and family in Billerica.  Her family managed her care with love and grace for several years.  Alex unselfishly gave of herself for her family and in her final years her family returned that love in the way they lovingly cared for Alex as she struggled with the effects of Alzheimer’s disease. 

The two most important things in her life were her family and faith.  Alex had a kind heart and a warm and welcoming spirit.  Alex will be remembered for living her life with fun and laughter and for her love and devotion to her family and friends. She will be deeply missed.  Her passing brings sadness to those she loved, but they are also comforted to know she is reunited with her husband John.

Alex is survived by her loving & devoted children, son Charlie Scantalides and his wife Kasia of Watertown, MA; daughter Maria Barnes and her husband, Michael of Billerica; cherished grandchildren, Kyle Barnes and Kaitlin Barnes of Billerica; sisters-in-law, Lucille Kiklis and Dorothy Kiklis of Woburn, MA; brother-in-law, Efthemios Pappadopoulos of Dover, NJ and many nieces, nephews, godchildren, relatives and friends, including all those at the Blaire House that loved her dearly.

A visiting hour will be held at the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, 70 Montvale Ave, Woburn on Wednesday, Oct. 24 from 10 to 11 a.m. Funeral Services at the church will begin on Wednesday at 11 a.m. and will conclude with a Burial in Woodbrook Cemetery, Woburn.  Relatives and friends are respectfully invited.  In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverly Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452, www.alz.org. Arrangements by the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, Burlington. For directions obituary & online guestbook see www.annunciationwoburn.com or www.sullivanfuneralhome.net