Crystal - Efstratia C. Bakritges was born on March 25, 1944, in the village of Stylia, Greece. She emigrated to America in 1961 at the age of 18, when her brother Aristides brought her for what was intended to be a six-month visit. During that time, he introduced her to her future husband, Christos, at a gathering. Their love quickly grew, and after his proposal, she chose to remain in the United States to begin a new life.

In 1962, Efstratia and Christos were married and made Minneapolis, Minnesota their home. In 1969, they settled in Crystal, Minnesota, where they raised their five children. Family was the center of Efstratia's life—she sacrificed greatly and gave selflessly to her children, and later found immense joy in her grandchildren, who always brought a smile to her face.

Efstratia deeply cherished her Greek heritage, especially its music and traditions. Throughout her working years, she treated everyone with grace and dignity, whether as a seamstress, a meat packer at Ambassador Foods, or later in the deli department at Cub Foods. Above all, her greatest calling and joy was being a devoted mother and caregiver to her family.

She was a faithful member of St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church since 1962 and an active member of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society in Minneapolis.

Efstratia embodied the American dream through her unwavering faith, love, and dedication to her family. In her final days, she was surrounded by her loved ones, passing peacefully on April 16, 2026, just as she had wished.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Northridge Rehabilitation Center and the North Memorial Comfort Care team for their compassionate care.

She is survived by her children: Anastasios (Donna), George, Triada (Michael), Andreas (Dawn), and Vasiliki (Jason); grandchildren Alexandros (Kay), Christian, Malena, Kaitlyn, Christos, Nikkos, and Alayna; sisters-in-law Christina Bakritzes, Tula Bakritzes, and Cassandra Apostolou; along with many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Christos; her parents, George and Vasiliki; her brothers, Aristides and Kostas; her sister, Dimitra; and numerous extended family members.

Visitation will be Thursday, April 23 from 3:00–7:00 PM with Trisagion Service at 4:00 PM at Gearty-Delmore Robbinsdale Chapel 3888 W. Broadway. Funeral Service will be 11:00 AM, Friday, April 24, at St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church, 3450 Irving Ave S., Minneapolis, with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM. Interment following at Lakewood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family.

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