Josephine Harris, born January 8, 1929, a long-time resident of Manlius, NY and Bonita Springs, Florida, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, December 5, 2021 surrounded by loving family.

     Josie was born in St. Louis, Missouri to Anna Bozikis and Spiros Yiatras. When Josie was just two years old, unforeseen circumstances resulted in her family’s relocation to their native Greece. She spent her formative years in Greece until it came under occupation and there was no escape. While she rarely spoke of those times, people who knew her could not imagine the losses she suffered or the atrocities she witnessed.

     Josie and her brother returned to the US in late 1945 and settled in Syracuse. Nick and Grace Spinos took Josie in and treated her like a daughter. Josie became a parishioner of St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church becoming an active participant. Over the years, she took on leadership roles among them helping to organize the first St. Sophia’s Greek Cultural Festival, an event which continues to this day. She also played an integral role in the creation and distribution of “The Treasury of Greek Cooking” for the Syracuse Chapter of the Daughters of Penelope. 

     Despite her early experiences – or perhaps because of them, Josie had a very positive outlook on life. She was caring, non-judgmental, open-minded and treated everyone with kindness and compassion. Her grandchildren loved their sweet ‘yiayia’ and how she would always greet them with open arms. They admired her for her ability to “live in the present,” and always be fully engaged when they were together. 

     Josie was an avid sports fan. Some of her biggest thrills were watching her son play football and then later traveling to see her grandchildren compete in sports. Josie had a fantastic work-ethic and the family all learned from her example. 

     She was a long-time supporter of philanthropic and cultural events in Syracuse, both personally and professionally and served on many boards. During her role as the Children’s Theater Coordinator for the Cultural Resources Council of CNY, she was responsible for introducing the joys of theater to children of all ages at the newly built Onondaga County Civic Center.  

     She was an outstanding cook and gracious hostess. Josie, and her husband Bob, often welcomed family, friends, and area newcomers into their home as well as hosting several local charitable events.

     Josie loved travel. Some of her favorite times were an annual trip to Cancun, Mexico and spending time with her grandchildren at the beach. Perhaps her greatest adventure was as a young woman. She joined the civil service and was stationed in Japan for two and a half years. Josie embraced the Japanese culture, climbed Mount Fuji, and made lasting memories. Another important milestone was a trip to Jerusalem at the age of 90 to realize her lifetime dream to see the Holy Land. 

     Josie believed in the importance of a healthy lifestyle and maintained that philosophy throughout her life. She kept in shape as an active participant in the St. Sophia’s Greek dance group. In her later years, she worked out with a personal trainer and walked three to four miles daily with her Florida friends until recently. On her 90th birthday, it was a sight to see when she sunk a perfect shot, on her first shot, playing corn-hole with her grandkids. This past Saturday, she took her final walk with her beloved son-in-law, talking optimistically about her hope to return to Florida for the winter.

     Above all, her greatest pride and joys were as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was an extremely giving woman and beloved by her family and friends. She leaves nothing but the beautiful memories she helped create. Josie’s upbeat, youthful attitude, combined with the love she gave and the wisdom she imparted, will make her impossible to forget.

     Josie was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Robert and her brother, Ted. She is survived by her daughter, Kathryn Moramarco and her husband, Marc of Andover, Massachusetts; her son, Jim Harris and his wife Tara of  Fayettevlle, NY; five grandchildren, Lindsay Fuccillo (and her husband, Joe), Matthew Moramarco, Brad Harris, Abbey Harris and Mia  Harris; two great-grandchildren; and a niece, nephews and many dear friends.

     Funeral services will be held at 10 am on Saturday, December 11 at St. Sophia's Greek Orthodox Church, 325 Waring Road, Syracuse, NY. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Calling hours will be from 5 pm to 7 pm on Friday, December 10 at Eaton-Tubbs Fayetteville Chapel, 7191 East Genesee Street, Fayetteville. 

     In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to St. Sophia's Greek Orthodox Church, Syracuse, NY or to St. Katherine’s Greek Orthodox Church, Naples, Florida.