Barbara Karpouzis Valavanes, 90, of Mennonite Home, fell asleep in the Lord on Epiphany Day, January 6, 2016. She was born in 1925, in Pyli, Kos, Greece where she enjoyed an idyllic childhood, shared with her beloved brothers, Andrew and (Capt.) Gus, and sister, Nena, wife of Andrew Valavanes. Mussolini's occupation caused her family to flee to the United States in 1933. Her early years here were difficult due to the Great Depression and her father's death in 1939. She was the daughter of Nicholas A. Karpouzis and Domnitsa Papademetriou Karpouzis, who reposed in 1964.

She graduated from J.P. McCaskey High School in 1945 and Elizabethtown College in 1980. Both of her alma maters bestowed Distinguished Alumna Awards on her. She later earned a teaching certificate from Franklin & Marshall College. She taught English as a Foreign Language in the School District of Lancaster for over 30 years. She not only taught her immigrant students the English language but reveled in teaching them cross cultural understanding and respect. In her classroom it was impossible to not be inspired by her strong patriotism for her adopted country. In 1983, she received a Congressional Citation for Service to Community and Nation.

During WWII, she was a top seller of War Bonds and stood on street corners in Lancaster in full Greek costume to earn money for the Greek War Relief. She was also an Air Raid Warden. Her ardent war efforts were partly fueled by the fact that the love of her life was serving in Germany. In 1947, she married him, Michael J. Valavanes, long time proprietor of the Sun Restaurant. He passed on in 1983.

Her considerable community involvement and awards include: Organization of and participation in Veterans, Memorial and Loyalty Day parades, Girl Scout Leader, the Planning Committee for the 250th celebration of Lancaster, the Naturalization Day Committee on which she proudly served for 68 years, Honors from the Community Action Program for her volunteer work at Crispus Attucks Center, Quota Club "Woman of the Year", Human Rights Award by the NCCJ for her compassion for people of all races, religions, and nationalities. She twice received the Lancaster Newspapers' Red Rose Award – in 1987 and 2011.

Barbara was a devoted and active member of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church where she taught Sunday School for over 30 years, Greek School, and created the idea of the Community Christmas Card for the benefit of the Church Building Fund. She was one of the first two women to serve on the Church Council. She loved visiting the hospitalized and shut-ins. She served the Prison Ministry for 35 years. She helped hundreds to prepare for their American Citizenship. Her home was always open to foreign students who needed a family for any holiday.

Barbara was a co-founder of the local chapter of the Daughters of Penelope and served four terms as president. She chaired the Daffodil Days Committee for the American Cancer Society for 41 years. She was also a member of the Philoptochos (friend of the poor) Society, a founder of the Pan Coan Society in Lancaster, and a member of the Chiotiko Society of St. George.

In retirement, she enjoyed extensive travel, having visited six continents. She also enjoyed her membership and fellowship in the PASR Lancaster branch of retired teachers. She was recognized for the many volunteer hours she gave to this organization.

Her highest devotion was to her family and friends. She was a loving mother to James M, who preceded her in death in 1972, and Nancy Val, wife of Kosta N. Kambouroglos. She adored her grandchildren, Nicolas, Varah Lynette, and Michael. Her extended family of nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, in-laws, cousins, and former students, filled her life with laughter, support, and love.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at 11AM at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church 64 Hershey Ave Lancaster, PA 17603 with the Rev. Dr. Alexander Goussetis, Rev. Hector Firoglanis, and Rev. Alexander Veronis officiating. Viewings will be on Friday (6-9PM) with a Trisagion Service at 7:30PM, and again Saturday morning (10-11AM). Interment will be in Conestoga Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made in Barbara's memory to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund – P.O. Box 6303 Lancaster 17607-6303, or the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, or The Philoptochos Society, or Founder Memorial Scholarship of the Daughters of Penelope all can be mailed to the church office 64 Hershey Ave Lancaster, PA 17603.