Obituary of Joanna S Copoulos

JoAnna “Jennie” Stilianos Copoulos, age 93, passed away peacefully on Jan. 7, 2024, in Satellite Beach, FL with her two daughters by her side. Even until her final moments, JoAnna maintained her exceptionally sharp mind, witty sense of humor, and genuine grace. Throughout her years, she expressed gratitude for the abundant blessings of her family, friends, and wonderful and varied life experiences.

JoAnna was the oldest of five children, born in 1930 in Lynn, MA to parents Margaret and Arthur Stilianos. She spent her early years after school working in her father’s drugstore where she interpreted for her Greek parents who spoke little English. In 1948 she graduated from Lynn English High School, going on to apply her excellent math and communication skills in positions with John Hancock, Emery Air Freight and Northeast Airlines.

In 1953 JoAnna met Lt. George “Hooky” Copoulos and the couple soon married and moved to Boise, ID. She quickly adapted to Air Force military life and enjoyed traveling around the world. The next 20 years took them to California, Virginia, Massachusetts, and Japan. During George’s military career, JoAnna was very active with the Officers’ Wives Club, serving as treasurer for many years.

After retiring from the Air Force in 1971, the couple moved to Satellite Beach, FL where they enjoyed a loving and supportive marriage for 48 years until George passed away in 2001. JoAnna’s outgoing nature and exceptional memory were valued by many, including the Eau Gallie Yacht Club where she worked for 12 years beginning in 1987 as the executive membership secretary. In addition, her love of a well-kept home and thriving garden was clearly evident throughout her 52 years in the same house, endearing JoAnna to many neighbors and friends.

Competitive in nature, JoAnna was a 200-series bowler, skilled golfer and very serious bridge player. She was known for having her “scotch on the rocks,” her fashion sense and love of jewelry. The crowning glory for JoAnna was the arrival of her five grandsons: Nik (Digna) and Lukas Brickweg (Lauren) and Zachary (Rachel;children Emma, Carson), Alexander and Benjamin Farley. Lovingly known as “YiaYia”, she loved engaging with them whenever possible.

 JoAnna is preceded in death by husband George, brother George Stilianos and sister Dorothy Copoulos. She is survived by and will be greatly missed by her daughters, Alexa Brickweg and Staci Farley (Tim); sisters Alie Andrews and Aliki Stilianos Lipari; and many nieces and nephews. JoAnna also will be greatly missed by her beloved caregiver, Arlene Beech, and wonderful bridge friends and neighbors of more than 50 years.

JoAnna attended Saint Katherine’s Greek Orthodox Church and was a member of the Philoptochos. JoAnna will be laid to rest next to her husband in Pine Grove Cemetery in Lynn, MA.  A Celebration of Life will be February 24 2-4 pm. at Niki's Rainbow Restaurant/Bar Event Room 570 Florida A1A, Satellite Beach, FL 32937

The family is asking in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Humane Society of the United States (www.humanesociety.org) or your local animal shelter.