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Vaso Cynthia Xikes - September 29, 1931 - February 3, 2022

Cynthia was born and raised in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada by Greek immigrants Ismini and John Nikolou. She was a graduate of the University of Toronto where she majored in Philosophy and minored in Greek and Latin classics. She studied and played classical piano all her life. As an adult she studied at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto where she earned certificates in piano. She was a kindergarten and first grade teacher in Toronto, Canada. In 1965 she met her beloved, Nicholas Xikes, while vacationing in Greece. They married in 1967 and had two children, John and Rene. She was a Greek Orthodox Christian and was a devoted member of the church community of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Queens, NY where she continued her love of children and teaching as a Sunday school teacher and a leader in the boys and girls scouting programs. Many can recall the elaborate plays the scouts performed for the community. Her dedication extended with her contributions to the ladies Philoptochos and church festivals.

As a matriarch of a big Greek family, she hosted countless celebrations and holidays with family and friends throughout her life. An incredibly kind and selfless person, she cared for everyone in her family and extended family. A fabulous cook and homemaker; she took great pride in her home and family. Each and every celebration was filled with fabulous homemade food and desserts all beautifully and lovingly presented on her finest china. She loved to laugh, dance and have spirited philosophical conversations. She enjoyed bird watching, fashion, her backyard flower garden, and most importantly music. Her beloved grandchildren were her pride and joy.

Cynthia suffered with debilitating dementia since 2011. But her love of music never ceased. It was deep within her soul and was the one form of communication that never left her. She had an incredible fight and lived way past what many expected. Although she lost the ability to speak for many years her only words were “ I love you” which she uttered to many people who were close to her.

She touched the lives of so many with her generosity, happy spirit and devotion to her family and friends.

Cynthia is predeceased by her husband of 43 years Nicholas Xikes, her brother, James Nikolou and brother-in-laws Greg Xikes and George Poulos, sisters-in-law Lillian Xikes, Mary Poulos, and Anastasia Bayly.

She is survived by her son John Xikes and daughter-in-law Joni Xikes, her daughter Rene Varriano and son-in-law Rob Varriano and her five grandchildren: Victoria and Natalie Xikes, Christopher, James, and Marina Varriano, her loving sister, Ana Booth and brother-in-law Peter Booth, sister-in laws Argie Xikes, Susan Dutton, Joanne Nikolou, and many loving nieces, nephews, and their children.

May her memory be eternal.

Nicholas William Xikes - November 24, 1920 - December 30, 2009

Nick Xikes was a man that exemplified the notion of the “Greatest Generation”. Those who knew him would easily come up with descriptions such as: character, integrity, honesty, trustworthy, determined, selfless, loyal, brilliant, detailed, dedicated, loving, and of strong faith. Nick was born in Manhattan of Greek immigrants, Lambrini and William Xikes, and later moved to Astoria, Queens.

He grew up during the Great Depression and his family struggled as his mother raised six children on her own. Since Nick was the oldest son, he took on the responsibility to support the family by working three jobs, all while going to night school to study Electrical Engineering at The Cooper Union. His studies were interrupted when he enlisted and honorably served in WWII, where he achieved the rank of Warrant Officer Junior Grade for the US Army Signal Corps.

After the war, Nick finished his degree and started his 30+ year career at Burns & Roe as an electrical engineer, primarily designing powerplant generation systems across the country and in other parts of the world. He was a licensed Professional Engineer in six states.

While Nick was working on a project in Athens Greece, he met the love of his life Cynthia who was visiting family and vacationing with her mother. Since Cynthia was a Canadian, they endured a true long-distance relationship before they married and settled in Flushing, Queens where they raised two children, John and Rene. Nick was strong in his Greek Orthodox faith - when he was young, his priest asked if he would consider joining the seminary. Although that was not part of Nick’s life journey, he was extremely active in the church, including being part of the building committee for Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Flushing, various volunteer activities like the church festival, and serving as a Scout Master (Cub and Webelos) for many years.

Nick enjoyed helping his children with science, scout, and school projects, maintaining, and improving his home, tinkering with cars and electronics, and reading.

Nick fell to the complications of dementia on December 30, 2009.

Nick was the type of man who was a model father for his children, and husband to his wife. His Greatest Generation legacy also continues to live on through simple generational phrases like “Stick to your guns” and “At a boy”, which still resonate with his children and grandchildren. We honor and salute you Nick, the Greatest Generation.

Nick was predeceased by his sister Lillian Xikes, brother Greg Xikes, sister and brother-in-law Mary and George Poulos.

He was survived by his wife of 43 years, Cynthia Xikes, his son John Xikes and daughter-in-law Joni Xikes, his daughter Rene Varriano and son-in-law Rob Varriano and his five grandchildren: Victoria and Natalie Xikes, Christopher, James, and Marina Varriano, his loving sisters Sue Dutton and Anastasia Bayly and sister-in-law and brother-in-law Ana and Peter Booth, sister-in-laws Argie Xikes and Joanne Nikolou, and many loving nieces, nephews and their children.

May his memory be eternal.

Nick & Cynthia Xikes

“There are some who bring a light so great to the world, that even after they have gone, the light remains.” - Unknown

- Created by their loving children John Xikes & Rene Varriano