Polixeni “Pauline” Karalis (Zacharatos) peacefully passed away on October 25, 2019. She was born on September 28, 1929, to Omiros and Nikoleta (Michalatos) Zacharatos, and raised on the island of Kefalonia, Greece, with her three sisters and two brothers.
Polixeni was the widow of the late George Karalis, who died in 1995. After immigrating to the United States, Pauline resided in Upper Darby, PA. She and her husband, George, owned and operated a restaurant in Philadelphia. They then moved to Springfield, PA, where Pauline worked as a seamstress in her home and at a local bridal boutique.
Pauline was a dedicated member of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church and an active member of the choir for many years. Her pride and joy were raising and spending time with her grandchildren. She will always be remembered for talented handiwork on countless wedding dresses, growing beautiful gardenia trees that flourished under her green thumb, and handing out karameles or candy to her grandchildren whenever she had the opportunity.
She is survived by her daughter, Dr. Josephine Karalis (Dr. George Karasmanis), son-in-law, Joey Iacona, her brother, Stelianos Zacharatos, her five grandchildren, Eva Pauline Karasmanis (Demetrios), Xena Karalis, Victoria Iacona, George Karalis, and Paulina Iacona and may nieces and nephews.
Mother of the late Jerry Karalis, Dr. Omiros Karalis, and Nicoleta Karalis Iacona. Sister of the late Sotiroula Douis, Marianthe Karlik, Paraskevi Kontaras, and Antonios Zacharatos.
Her funeral service will begin at 11:00 am, Friday, November 1, 2019, at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 229 Powell Ln, Upper Darby, PA 19082. The viewing will begin at 10:00 am. Interment immediately following the service at Fernwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the above church.