Stavroula Joannidis

Stavroula was born in the hamlet of Tseria, Laconia, Greece, to Thomas and Meropi Plagiannakos, the youngest of three daughters (her sisters are Demetra “Toula” and Panayiota “Pepi”). Life was idyllic in her small community of just 45 or so people. Almonds and figs could be picked off of the trees outside their window; there was no electricity, so the days closely followed sunrise and sunset, and getting to neighboring communities meant a long walk, or donkey ride.

From this life, and with the intent to return to Greece, Stavroula traveled to New York City to pursue her degrees in psychology (a Bachelor of Arts at New York University, and Master of Arts at The New School). She lived in Astoria with her aunt Helen Kyriakides and family, including her uncle Morris, and first cousins, Stella and John. She was also re-introduced to Peter, the son of Andrew Joannidis, Morris’ co-owner at Friends Food. Peter and Stavroula had previously met as young kids in Petrina, Greece (the story goes that Peter found his sister, Mary, and Stavroula fighting over a broom, and he rushed to Stavroula’s defense). In New York, they fell in love and her plans to return to Greece changed. They married when she was 23 years old, and had two daughters, Andreana Galatea and Thomael Meropi.

Stavroula lived a life of service both personally and professionally. She sacrificed for her family, and showed unrelenting love. In her children, she instilled kindness, humility, and a compassion for others. She longed for Greece, but loved the family she had in New York. She became like a sister to her sister-in-law, Mary. Early in her career, she worked as a caseworker supporting families through foster care and adoption. She later worked for approximately 20 years at the Hellenic American Neighborhood Action Committee (HANAC), as Director of Senior Center and Services at the Long Island City location. At just 5’ 3”, gentle and unassuming, Stavroula was direct and tough when it was required.

The progression of her scleroderma and pulmonary arterial hypertension brought on an early retirement. Even as scleroderma continued to take over, her grandkids remained a source of uncompromised joy. Her husband, Peter, remained her faithful best friend and partner, caring for her every day and night, and, by the grace of God, keeping her alive as long as he could, longer than would have otherwise been possible.

Stavroula is survived by her adoring husband, Peter, loving daughters, Andreana (Michael), and Thomael (Eric), as well as four grandchildren: Melina, Theodore, Eliana, and Savina. She is also survived by her loving siblings, cousins, nieces, goddaughters, and extended family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, we kindly request that you consider a donation to Johns Hopkins Scleroderma Center ( click here , select Other > Scleroderma Center Research Fund; in the Gift Options section, enter in memory of Stavroula Joannidis). We are grateful for the care Johns Hopkins staff provided to Stavroula when she was still able to travel, and for their ongoing scleroderma research.