CHRONIA POLLA, YIAYIA!
On Sunday, April 30, 2001, Helen Demos Papoutsy celebrated her 90th birthday. Attending this milestone event were over thirty friends and family members, among them her son and daughter-in-law, Christos and Mary Papoutsy, granddaughters Andrea and Angela Papoutsy, grandson Mikel Papoutsy, great-grandchildren Mary Gamvas and Austin Lochtefeld, and the newest addition to her family, great-granddaughter Lucy.

Amid festive balloons and presents, relatives presented Mrs. Papoutsy with a cake bearing the inscription: “Happy Birthday, Ma-Yiayia-Helen!”

A very young 90 years old, “Yiayia” keeps a busy daily schedule as the matriarch of the Papoutsy family. Her love for music has not diminished over the decades; she continues to enjoy the musical talent of her family. At one time she was a mandolin instructor with over 100 students, giving performances in Haverhill, Massachusetts. Her relatives are quick to point out that her skill and dexterity were such that she could play the seventh position with magisterial rapidity.

Also a fine chef and baker, her Greek cuisine is applauded by family members, particularly her koulourakia. When asked about the secret recipe for longevity and prosperity, she is quick to respond: “Hard work and dedication to my family, church, and community are the keys.”

Na ekatostisate, Yiayia!