Obituary of Loula Giakoumatos

Loula Giakoumatos
June 16, 1940 – November 9, 2024

Loula Giakoumatos, age 84, passed away peacefully at her home in Warren, New Jersey, on Saturday, November 9, 2024, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on June 16, 1940, in Kefalonia, Greece, to Eleftherios and Eleftheria Menegatos, Loula embarked on her journey to the United States in 1955, arriving at the young age of 15. The family made their home in North Plainfield, New Jersey, where Loula grew up, eventually moving to Fresh Meadows, New York, where she raised her family. In 2000, she settled in Warren, New Jersey, where she lived until her passing.

Loula was a woman of deep faith and was a devoted member of several Greek Orthodox churches throughout her life, including Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Shrine Church and Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Queens. Upon returning back to New Jersey with her family, she was a beloved member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Piscataway, where her faith remained a guiding light.

Known as a quintessential homemaker and loving mother, Loula’s warmth filled her home, especially through her cooking and baking. She took pride in creating delicious meals, blending traditional Greek recipes with her personal touch, and her tsourekia bread became a cherished family staple at every holiday. Family was her greatest joy, and Loula’s boundless love was felt by everyone who knew her.

Loula cherished traveling to Greece, where her love for her birthplace in Kefalonia remained strong. She delighted in frequent visits back to her homeland, with her most recent trip just this last summer.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Panagis Giakoumatos, who passed away in 2015. Loula’s memory will be cherished by her three children, Nicholas and his wife Ourania, Eleftherios, and Gerasimos; her three grandchildren, Angelina, Demetra, and Peter; her sister Niki Marketos and her husband Jimmy; her nephew Peter; and a host of friends and extended family.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 12, from 4 PM to 8 PM at Higgins Home For Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ 07069. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 13, at 10 AM at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1101 River Rd., Piscataway, NJ 08854, followed by interment at Bound Brook Cemetery in Bound Brook, New Jersey.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to honor Loula's memory to consider making a memorial donation to Saint Gerasimos Greek Orthodox Church, 153 West 105th Street, New York, NY 10025. Contributions can be made in Loula's name. Alternatively, floral tributes are also welcomed at the services, allowing friends and family to express their condolences in the way that feels most meaningful to them.