Koula “Kyriakoula” Photis, 98

July 17, 2025

Koula “Kyriakoula” Photis, 98, of Lancaster, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2025. Born in St. George Sikousis, Chios, Greece, she was the daughter of the late Apostolos and Lemonia (Patounas) Hahalis. She was married to Pete “Panteli” Photis for 63 years until his passing in 2011.

Soon after the end of WWII, Pete returned to his native village where he and Koula married in August of 1947. They traveled to America by passenger ship Nea Hellas, arriving in New York December 1947.

After Koula overcame her fear of flying when traveling to Jacksonville, FL. in 1980 for a wedding, she took her second flight to California. By the summer of 1983, she was ready for her first trans-Atlantic flight accompanied by Linda to return to Chios for the first time since 1947. Almost every summer after that, Pete and Koula visited Greece, made frequent trips to California, and went on three cruises, as well as trips to Florida. Reunion and Award Events from Pete’s highly decorated U. S. Army Group (WWII) took Pete and Koula, often with Linda, to Denver, CO., Lexington, KY., Fort Bragg, NC (Airborne and Special Services), Washington, D.C., and CIA Headquarters in Langley, VA.

Koula is survived by four children: Gus P. Photis (Dore) of Lancaster, Linda Photis of Tujunga, CA, George P. Photis (Diane) of Rehoboth Beach, DE, and Paul P. Photis (Krista) of Mountville; seven grandchildren: Pete, Haley, Alec, Caroline, Blanca, Gerardo, and Jordan; four great-grandchildren: Alex, Jayciel, Sylis, and Juanluis; niece Koula Hahalis Mylonas and her two sons, Yanni and Niko in Greece. Koula was Godmother to Maria (Kourgeli-Kesoglou), Kosta and Irene Kourgeli-Varias, Aristides (Ted) Varias, Tom Barlis and Elizabeth Nectaria.

She was predeceased by her brother Nikola Hahalis, nephew Apostolos, and an infant sister.

The family expresses many thanks to Dr. Paul Vassil, Dr. Stephen Roda and his Staff; from Lancaster General Hospital the following: – Dr. Samphillipo, Nurse-Extraordinaire Catherine Maldonado, the Doctors, Nurses, Techs, transporters, technicians, Nurses, Phlebotomists in the E.R., Pharmacy, all Supporting staff members as well as Security in the main hospital who dedicate their time and lives to help their patients. Additional thanks to Amedisys Home Health Care, especially Sal (O.T.), and Nurses Lindsey and Samantha; and the Staff at Maple Farm.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 12:30 PM at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 64 Hershey Ave, Lancaster, PA 17603. The family will receive guests beginning at 11:30 AM. (Viewing). Interment will follow at Conestoga Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions in Koula’s name to Annunciation Greek Church or to the St. Eirini Chrysovalantou Monastery, 36-07 23rd Ave., Astoria, NY, 11105.