Alexandra (aka Alice) Kitsos Jasonides

Alexandra "Alice" passed away after a brief illness on June 20, 2022 at the age of 100. She was born in Woonsocket, Rhode Island on November 8, 1921 to Greek immigrant parents Stavros Kitsos and Hariklia Deftos. Predeceased by her parents and siblings, Dimitris Kitsos , Madeline Liponis, Stephania Kitsos and Athanasios/Arthur Kitsos.

In 1929 after a devastating house fire claimed the life of her mother, she and her father returned to their village Politsani, in Northern Epiros.  (Presently southern Albania ).  When the end of WWII left their village destroyed and with the Albanian Communist government prosecuting ethnic Greeks, she secretly escaped Albania in July of 1946 with only the clothes on her back. She and 6 others made the perilous mountain journey by foot to the Greek border where she lived as a refugee for 1 year before continuing on to Portland, ME to live with her sister Madeline Liponis and her family. In 1958 she married Elias Jasonides and together they started a business, Louis' Pizza in Biddeford, Maine. With little formal education, but much life experience, she worked hard and tirelessly in her home and business to provide the best for her family.  After the iron curtain fell in Communist Albania in 1990 she spent every summer traveling back to Politsani, the village she loved so dearly.   In her retirement, she and her husband, Elias, were instrumental in rebuilding their beloved village. They were able to contribute to the rebuilding of the main church and Greek grammar school. She was a member of the Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox church and a member of the St. Fotini Philoptochos society. She will be remembered as a very stoic and strong woman who never complained about what life brought her. She often reflected on her tumultuous life saying "I took life the way it came."  She was a true survivor and strong role model for many. Of most importance to her was instilling Greek culture, customs and ethics in her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her daughter Anna Jasonides Manolakis and her husband Dimitri Manolakis, her son Christopher Jasonides and his wife Meg Handlin, and 2 grandchildren Lucas and Andrew. Also survived by many nieces and nephews in both America and Greece.

Visiting Hours will be from 6-8PM on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, with the Trisagion Prayer Service at 6:30PM at Cote Funeral Home Chapel, 87 James Street, Saco. A Funeral Service will be held at 10AM Thursday, June 23, 2022, at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 186 Bradley Street,  Saco. Burial will follow in St. Demetrios Cemetery in Biddeford.

In lieu of flowers consider making a donation in her name to St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church.