Southbridge: Annie Koulalis, 78, passed away peacefully at her home on April 30th, 2026 surrounded by her loving family.

Born on September 1, 1947, in Greece, Annie 'Anthoula' was raised in the Athens suburb of Peristeri. She was the fifth of seven children born to Dimitri and Maria (Zinas) Farmakis. After completing her schooling, she immigrated to the United States, first arriving in New York City before settling in Southbridge, Massachusetts, where her younger sister and brother-in-law had already made their home.

Before making that journey, Annie met her future husband, John, in Greece, introduced through her brother, who worked alongside him. Their connection endured despite the distance, and they were formally married after reuniting in the United States. Together, they settled in Southbridge, where they built a life grounded in hard work, family, and love, sharing nearly 55 years of marriage.

Determined to create opportunities for her family, Annie worked tirelessly alongside her husband while learning a new language and adapting to a new country. She was first employed at United Lens Company and later at American Optical, often working second shifts while remaining a deeply present and hands-on mother to her daughter and son.

In the mid-1980s, Annie and John, along with her sister Thalea and brother-in-law Sam Genkos, co-owned Pharos Pizza in Southbridge. A few years later, Annie and John acquired and operated Sturbridge Pizza House, proudly running the family business from 1987 until 2002. Even after stepping away from the restaurant, Annie wasn't ready to slow down. She found joy working at Charlton Street Elementary School, where she cherished the daily energy and laughter of the students.

This chapter of life also allowed Annie and John to travel frequently to Greece to visit family, often extending their trips to explore the islands and occasionally detouring through Italy, France or Spain.

Annie was a devoted member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church. She proudly sang in the choir, was an active member of the Philoptochos Society, and served on the parish council. Among her favorite traditions was baking her beloved Greek cookies for church events and enthusiastically working the table at each summer's picnic with the goal of surpassing the previous year's sales.

Known for her boundless energy and positive spirit, Annie was an eternal optimist who rarely sat still. She could often be found walking with friends, tending to her backyard flowers, baking treats to share, or working on a new sewing project.

Above all, Annie was a devoted and proud mother and grandmother. She took immense pride in her children, Joanne and Stanley, and warmly embraced her daughter-in-law, Lia, as her own. She was a loving and dedicated YiaYia to her grandchildren, Jonathan (JJ) and Samantha (Samanthoula), cherishing every moment with them cheering on the sidelines at soccer games, watching gymnastics meets, and celebrating life's milestones. In recent years, as her health declined, she found great joy in continuing to support them through livestreams, and listening to their latest adventures, never missing a chance to be part of their lives.

Annie is survived by her loving daughter, Joanne of Auburn, MA; her son, Stanley, and daughter-in-law, Lia, along with her beloved grandchildren, Jonathan and Samantha of Danvers, MA. She also leaves behind her sisters, Angeliki Paliyannis and Thalea Genkos, her brother-in-law, Samuel Genkos, and many cherished nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, John; her parents; and her brothers Pavlos, Yiannis, George, and Theodore.

Annie's life was defined by her unwavering love for her family, her tireless work ethic, and her joyful, outgoing spirit. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 6th, from the Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, with a service at 11:00 AM at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 55 North St., Southbridge. Burial will follow at St. Hedwig's Cemetery in Southbridge.

Calling hours will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, May 5th, from 5:00 to 7:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. George Greek Orthodox Church, P.O. Box 25, Southbridge, MA 01550.