corina faklis
Formerly of Weirton, Corina Mastromichalis Faklis died peacefully in Stockton, CA on August 11, 2012. She was a dedicated mother to her children and a loving grandmother to her grandchildren. Born on September 15, 1934 to the late Michael and Evdokia Mastromichalis, in Steubenville, Ohio, she was the second oldest child of 9 brothers and sisters. In addition to her parents, Corina is preceded in death by her husband Michael and three of her siblings. She is survived by her children Nick (Holly) Faklis and Kia (Tom) Balalis; grandchildren Eleni and Michael Kordazakis, Elizabeth Faklis, Michael and Anthony Balalis; her five brothers and sisters and their families Maria (John) Dikas and Steve Mastromichalis of Albany, NY, Perry (Elaine) Mastromichalis of Palm Coast, FL, Julie (Tim) Kefalas of Tarpon Springs, FL and Gary (Harriet) Mastromichalis of Weirton, WV; forty-one nieces and nephews; numerous other relatives and friends who loved her immeasurably; basked in the warmth of her personality and boundless kindness and delighted in her sparkling humor and vast arsenal of jokes. It was a great source of pride for Corina to recount how she made Bob Hope, the king of comedy, laugh uproariously at her jokes. In 1967, Corina and her husband Michael moved to Stockton, California from Tarpon Springs, Florida, to be near Michael's sister, Faye Spanos. Trained as a medical assistant, she worked for local medical institutions but her top priority was always her home and her children. To her extended family of relatives, nephews, nieces, and friends, she was "Aunt Corina", irrespective of family ties. After her beloved husband Michael died, she attended grief counseling and then dedicated herself with zest to help others who were grieving as she was. Nothing ever kept her spirits down or dampened her love of life. She found joy and laughter in everyday living and she spread that spirit and message to those she loved and anyone new she met. Her greatest gift to all - especially those who had the rare good fortune to know her - was her empathy and understanding. With toddlers, she would become a toddler and relish in their flights of fancy; with teenagers, she would reach out to help with their dreams and struggles. Two years ago, she performed with her 19-year old grandson, Michael, in a singing video which has since become a YouTube sensation. Corina took great pride in her Greek heritage. Her parents were immigrants from the island of Halki and Corina delighted her audience with stories of the island's customs, the unusual names of the residents, and the sing-song manner of their speech. She spared no one from her witty way of looking at the world, not even herself. When she overheard a customer at a store refer to her as a "moose", she decided to throw a "moose" party at her next birthday. She radiated positive energy and lit up any room she walked in. She was a true force of nature. We will miss the sunshine of her presence, her wicked sense of humor and the impromptu songs she sang at any opportunity turning a conversation into a sing-a-long. If she can see how much we already miss her, she would wag her finger at us and burst out singing "Don't Cry for Me Argentina." That was Corina. A great soul. Visitation and Trisagion were held Thursday, August 16, 2012. Her funeral service was held on Friday, August 17 at St. Basil's Greek Orthodox Church in Stockton, CA. Committal was in Cherokee Memorial Park following the funeral service. Memorial contributions may be made to All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, 3528 West Street, Weirton, WV 26062 or the American Cancer Society.

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  1. Gary, Please accept our sympathy on the loss of Corina and Argie. May God comfort you and your family during this difficult time. May their memories be eternal.

  2. Nick and Kia Our heartfelt sympathy for your loss. You mom was one in a million. Strangers were just friends she hadn’t met yet. We always enjoyed being around her- she was a special person. [PS – She was my favorite polka partner (Lorne)] We take comfort in knowing that she has been reunited with your dad. Sincerely Jan and Lorne

  3. Dear Mastromichalis Family, Please accept my condolences on the passing of your sister. Although I did not know Corina, I’m sure she was a lovely person.

  4. My condolences go out to the family and friends of Corina. From reading about her I can tell she was a treasure and I know she will be missed and was loved by many. No matter what, it can truly be said that death is an enemy and soon it will be brought to nothing (1Cor. 15:26). I have found much comfort in the Bibles promise of a resurrection hope of our loved ones at John 5:28, 29 and hope you will too. Death was never a part of Gods original purpose, in fact he yearns to soon bring an end to it and the suffering it causes your family and friends. I did not know Corina, but I read her obituary and I hope these scriptures will help to bring some comfort knowing that others care.


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