Kalliope Smernes

1916 – 2021

Kalliope Smernes of Santa Rosa California passed away peacefully on December 21st, 2021 at the age of 105. Kalliope was born in 1916 in the village of Kandyla Greece to Demetrios and Gianula Karzis. In 1949 after surviving Nazi occupation of her village, Kalliope and her family moved to Athens where she lived until 1960 when she came to America and married Mr. Tony Smernes, Sr.

She is preceeded in death by her parents and siblings and her husband Tony Smernes Sr., Vikki Smernes Dumm (Frank), as well as her great-granddaughter Celeste Streutker and great-grandson Geno Smernes.

Kalliope is survived by Mrs. Nanci Streutker (Donald) and Mr. Anthony Smernes Jr. (Judy). She the was the cherished and adored “Yiayia” to Robert Streutker, Kurt Streutker, Dawne Cerecedes (Frank), Anthony Streutker (Joy) and Carlos Enriquez, Jennifer Smernes, Sarah Edson (Zak), Anthony Smernes III (Stacey) and Great-Grandmother to Charles and Nicholas Enriquez, Rachele Streutker, Nika and Anthony Edson, Tony, Gregory, Andrew and Gianluca Smernes. Adored “Theia” to Margarita Gianakouras (John).

Our amazing Yiayia was renown for her delicious Greek cooking, baking, hospitality and generosity. She lovingly cared for her grandchildren and loved to cook meals for her family and passed along many recipes as we spent decades with her in her kitchen. She was a member of the Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church and was an active member of the Ladies Philoptochos Group and enjoyed making dozens of perfect cookies and working at the loukoumades station at the annual Greek Festival. She enjoyed the simple things in life—sewing, knitting, reading, flowers in her garden and being with those she loved. She enjoyed watching Wheel Of Fortune, Jeopardy and Dancing with the Stars on TV and was incredibly informed on current events. Yiayia, you’ll live on in our hearts forever. May her Memory be Eternal.

Services for Kalliope will be private and at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church at 1110 Highland Drive, Novato, CA 94949

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Kalliope Smernes, please visit our Tree Store