Tessie Arianas

Tessie Arianas passed away on August 7th, 2025, at the age of 90. She was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, and friend to many. Born on January 29th, 1935 to Harry and Metaxia Laines in Skoura, Greece, she immigrated to the United States in 1951. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, George, her sons, Peter and Harry, her daughter-in-law, Maria, and her grandchildren, Alessia and George. She was pre-deceased by her brother Peter Laines.

At age 16, her parents made the difficult decision to send her to the United States for a better life, leaving her beloved Greece after witnessing World War II and the Greek Civil War. After entering through Ellis Island, she first resided in Bellmore, NY where she lived with her Thea Pat Salatas and her family, who served as a second mother. During this time Tessie went to night school to learn English and worked hard to save money to move her family to the United States.

On September 10th, 1961, she married George Arianas, also from Skoura, and together they started their life in Freeport, NY, eventually moving to North Bellmore. She loved her family, raising her sons Peter and Harry.

She outwardly celebrated her Hellenic culture, through Greek dancing and cooking. She was known for her delicious pastitsio, which her family loved. She found joy by delighting others with the stories of growing up in her beloved hometown of Skoura, and summers in Varvitsa. She was a proud original member of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Merrick, where she was active in the community and in service of the church. For many years, she worked at the Loukomades stand at the annual bazaar and sang in the church choir. Throughout her life she followed all things pop-culture, and enjoyed going to the movies, watching television, and following the latest fashion trends.

To honor Tessie's life, family and friends will gather at N.F. Walker Funeral Home in Merrick. Visitation will be on Monday August 11th from 5pm – 9pm. The service will be at St. Demetrios Church on Tuesday August 12th at 9:30am, followed by her final resting at the Greenfield Cemetery.