Emily (Amalia) Varoukas

Emily (Amalia) Varoukas (née Angelakos), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, Godmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, on Friday, June 26, 2026. She was 80 years old.

Born on December 1, 1945, in Sparti, Greece, Emily was the youngest of seven children born to the late Demetrius and Katerina Angelakos. At the age of 13, she immigrated to the United States with her family, settling in Brooklyn, New York, where she built a life defined by hard work, love, and devotion to family.

Emily shared 55 wonderful years of marriage with her beloved husband, John Varoukas. Together they raised two daughters, Maria Gougousis (Athan) and Kathy Guerrero (Marcos), who were the pride and joy of her life. She was a devoted Yiayia to her six grandchildren, Alexandra, Emily, James, Robert John (RJ), Andrew, and Sophia, who brought her endless happiness.

She is also survived by her sisters, Rodoula Kalamaras (the late George), Marina Kokenakos (Peter), Fotini Stavropoulos (Anastasios), Thessaloniki Tsirilakis (Nikos), and her sister-in-law, Amalia Angelakos. Emily was preceded in death by her sister, Stavroula Gabriel (the late Michael), and her brother, Petros Angelakos.

A graduate of Fort Hamilton High School in Brooklyn, N.Y., Emily began her career at Lutheran Hospital before working for many years as a medical secretary. She later fulfilled a lifelong dream by opening Emily's Cards and Gifts on Fort Hamilton Parkway in Brooklyn alongside her husband. She took great pride in serving her community through the family business until her retirement.

After raising their family in Staten Island, New York, Emily and John made their home in Columbus, New Jersey.

Above all else, Emily's greatest joy was her family. She delighted in gathering loved ones around the table, preparing favorite meals for her children and grandchildren, and creating memories that will be treasured forever. An exceptional cook and baker, she expressed her love through every meal she prepared. She was known for her famous baklava which could be found at every holiday and family celebration. She also found great happiness tending to her abundant fruit and vegetable garden and enjoyed tackling projects both inside and outside the home. Her generosity, strength, and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Sunday, June 28, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Vander Plaat Funeral Home, Wyckoff, New Jersey. A Trisagion service will be held at 5:00 p.m.

A Funeral Service will be celebrated on Monday, June 29, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Wyckoff, New Jersey. Burial will follow at Wyckoff Reformed Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Hospice of New Jersey in Emily's memory.  

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