Happy Cockinos Obituary

Happy (Eftyhia) Cockinos Charleston - Happy (Eftyhia) Cockinos, 93, passed away at her home in Charleston, South Carolina on Friday, March 30, 2018. She was born on August 2, 1924, in Charleston to the late Constantine Michael and Irene Zapetis Cockinos. At nine months old, Ms. Cockinos and her family moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, where she spent most of her life. She graduated from Central High School and had a diversified career. She worked with her father at the Hob Nob Restaurant, was a medical secretary, a Career Placement Specialist, a Sample Clothing Salesperson at the Merchandise Mart, a publicist at the Central Charlotte Association, and a Bookkeeper at her brother's firm, Frank C. Cockinos & Associates. Active with the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Charlotte and the Greek-American community, she was Lieutenant Governor of the Daughters of Penelope and an Advisor to the Local Chapter of Maids of Athena of the Order of AHEPA. Strong family connections led Ms. Cockinos to be like a second mother to her many nieces, nephews, cousins, and Godchild, and she always could be counted on to help the elderly. She loved to travel, especially to her parents' homeland of Nisryros, Greece. Ms. Cockinos returned to Charleston in 2001 and again became very involved with the Greek Orthodox Church and The Charleston Community. She used her flair for crocheting to start a ministry that provides hand-made crocheted items to prematurely born infants and co-managed the Cultural Room during bi-annual Greek Festivals. In addition to crocheting, Ms. Cockinos was known for her prowess in the kitchen, and her homemade chili and Greek cheese pie (tyropita) were legendary. The middle of five children, Ms. Cockinos' brothers, Frank and Mike Cockinos, died in August, 2012, and January, 2017, respectively. She is survived by her two sisters, Mary Cockinos Catismatides and Petsa Cockinos Schwartz, as well as the aforementioned nieces, nephews, cousins, and her loving Godson, Leon Melissas. Funeral service will be on Friday, April 13, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. EST at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church located on 30 Race Street in Charleston, South Carolina 29403. Burial will be at the Bethany Cemetery in Charleston, South Carolina immediately following the funeral. May her Memory Be Eternal. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston