Obituaries

Louise Zoe Raptis Fotiou passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at the age of 87, with her daughter and son-in-law by her side. Her life was a beautiful reflection of love, faith, and finding joy in the simple moments.

Born in Fairmont, West Virginia, to immigrant parents Christos Raptis and Christine Papanastasiou Raptis, who devoted themselves to running a family restaurant, Louise was raised with the values of hard work and dedication.

In her younger years, Louise worked as an X-ray technician, but her life’s purpose truly began when she met Harry. Introduced by a family friend, Louise was initially hesitant but Harry’s warmth and sincerity quickly won her over. On their first date, he shared his dreams of building a family and a business, a vision Louise wholeheartedly embraced. That same evening, Harry proposed and a few months later, they married! Together, they raised two daughters and treasured the brief time they had with a son who passed shortly after birth. For more than 40 years, Louise and Harry ran a custom kitchen cabinetry shop together, Harry’s Custom Kitchens. They began their life in Fairmont, West Virginia, before relocating to Yorktown, Virginia to be closer to their daughters. Quickly establishing roots, they found a welcoming spiritual home in the Greek Orthodox Church, where Louise’s faith deepened through weekly services and community events. Louise’s home was always filled with warmth—whether from the comforting scent of candles, the melodies of Greek music, or her welcoming smile. Known for her kindness, quiet strength, and calming presence, she had a way of making everyone feel at home. She enjoyed the challenge of a good Scrabble game or Word Search and treasured moments spent chatting over coffee and cookies. Her greatest joy came from her family. Louise adored her two daughters, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, each holding a special place in her heart. She celebrated life’s milestones surrounded by loved ones and cherished holidays spent in her home, which was always a gathering place for family.

Preceded in death by her parents, Christos Raptis and Christine Papanastasiou Raptis, her beloved husband of 60 years, Harry Fotiou, and their infant son Frank Fotiou. Louise is survived by her daughters, Christine Fotiou Vassilakos (Greg) and Marina Fotiou Burke (Ron); her grandchildren, Anthony Burke (Courtney), Alexa Burke Stone (Charlie), and Sophia Vassilakos; and her great-grandchildren, Winifred “Winnie” Burke and Theodore “Teddy”Burke. Louise was also loved by her step-sisters, Linda Stavrakis (Gus), and Patty Savas; her late brother-in-law, Chris Fotiou (Doris); her surviving brother-in-law, Ted Fotiou (Joellen); her sisters-in-law, Cleo Pileggi (Leonard) and Pandora Moehle (Sarkis); She leaves behind many cherished nieces and nephews who will continue to honor her memory.

The Trisagion service will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 7, at Peninsula Funeral Home & Crematory, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News. A funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Wednesday, January 8, at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 60 Traverse Road, Newport News, officiated by Rev. George Chioros. Interment will take place at Peninsula Memorial Park.

May Louise’s spirit continue to live on in the hearts of all who loved her, and may she rest in eternal peace, reunited with Harry in the arms of the Lord.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that expressions of sympathy be made in the form of contributions to: Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 60 Traverse Road, Newport News, VA 23606

Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home & Crematory.