Eileen Karanikolas

Eileen Karanikolas, age 60, lost her fierce fight against cancer on Thursday, May 20, 2021 surrounded by her loving family. Eileen handled her difficult journey with dignity, grace, courage, and a love for life. A talented and funny storyteller, Eileen could light up any room she entered with a beautiful smile. Eileen was born and raised in New Jersey, where she spent most of her life, and was fortunate enough to have spent countless summers in Greece with her husband’s family who loved and accepted her as one of their own. Despite completing a Master’s degree in Education, she chose never to leave her cherished job in corporate travel at McKinsey & Company thanks to the great friendships she had formed over her twenty plus years of service. Eileen also got to travel to many wonderful parts of the world herself and delighted in sharing her travel experiences in humorous stories with friends. Those fortunate enough to have known Eileen know how vibrant, generous, and kind she truly was. Eileen always found time in her busy schedule to volunteer for numerous local clubs, including the Maroons Soccer Club, the Ridgewood Band, and Ridgewood Crew, where she made many long-lasting friendships with her sweet personality and sharp sense of humor.

Eileen is survived by her husband, John; children, Cleopatra “Clairie” and William; father Raymond; brother Patrick; sister Kathleen; sisters in law Yiota, Katerina, and Sana; an extended family of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends in both the U.S and in Greece.

She will be missed dearly by her family, friends, and all who knew her.
 

The family will receive friends from 1 to 5 pm on Saturday, May 29, 2021 at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, 257 Godwin Ave. Wyckoff, NJ 07481

In lieu of flowers, please donate to St Jude Children’s Hospital.