Anastasia Papaefthemiou

HAVERHILL - Anastasia Papaefthemiou, 61, of Haverhill, passed away on Wednesday early morning, December 8, 2021, at Holy Family Hospital in Methuen.

Anastasia was born on November 16, 1960. She emigrated from Greece on a boat at the age of six. Despite her immersion into the Haverhill Public School system as a Greek-speaking six-year-old, she assimilated rapidly; her intelligence, diligence, and persistence made it possible for her to earn her degree in Political Science from Boston College. 

As a young mother, she started her own wholesale cookie business, Shana Cookies, serving customers throughout the Greater Boston metropolitan area. Although her commercial success slowed down, her cookies were the hit of every event she ever attended. More recently, Anastasia was kept busy caring for her mother and managing her husband’s painting business. She also became a well-loved substitute teacher in the Haverhill Public School system. Most recently, she spent weekdays watching her one and only grandchild, whom she entertained by singing, dancing, and playing ukulele.

Anastasia could light up any room. The party hadn’t started until she arrived. When singing and playing guitar on stage at open mics, her confidence excited the crowds. Also, her beautiful chanting enhanced church services at Holy Apostles Saints Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church in Haverhill, where she was a lifelong member. During her many years of church involvement, characterized by her verve and dedication, Anastasia served as president of her church’s Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, and she was a former Lieutenant Governor of Daughters of Penelope.

She was there for anyone who needed her, especially her mother, daughter, and grandson.

Anastasia is survived by her loving husband, Mitch Labrie, with whom she shared 11 years of marriage; daughter Barbara Kallas and husband Dominic Kallas of Haverhill, MA; adored grandson Anthony Kallas; brother Charlie Papaefthemiou and partner Christea Sardella of Ward Hill; and niece Tyra Papaefthemiou of Derry, NH; mother Chrisoula (Sialatis) Papaefthemiou of Haverhill, MA; and many cousins throughout the United States and Greece. She was predeceased by her father, Efthemios Papaefthemiou.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 28, in the Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 S. Main Street, Haverhill from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. Funeral Service Wednesday in Holy Apostles Sts. Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church, 154 Winter Street, Haverhill at 12:00 PM. Please meet directly at the church. Interment will follow in Linwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Anastasia’s memory to Caring and Sharing Program c/o Holy Apostles Sts. Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church, 154 Winter Street, Haverhill, MA 01830. For guestbook, visit www.driscollcares.com

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