January 26, 1940 – May 11, 2025
Cynthia (Cindy) Rodolakis, 85, of Reading, MA, beloved Yiayia, sister, mother, and mother-in-law, died peacefully on May 11 surrounded by her devoted family. Born in Holyoke, MA on January 26, 1940, Cindy was the daughter of loving parents Christos Alexis Chrisant (Chrisanthacopoulos), born in Syrbani, Priolithos, Kalavitra, Greece, and Katherine (Caranicolas) of Springfield, MA.
Cindy attended the Chicopee Public Schools, graduating high school in 1957, and graduated from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Following college, Cindy lived in Boston and worked for New England Telephone Co. for three years.
Cindy returned to western Massachusetts and married Attorney Mark Rodolakis. In 1968. Cindy and Mark settled in Longmeadow, MA, Cindy’s home for more than 50 years.
In Longmeadow, in addition to her work as an amazing mother and aunt, Cindy held several social services positions for the Massachusetts Department of Social Services and the Chicopee Public Schoolswhere she worked for more than 17 years.
Proud of her Greek heritage, Cindy was instrumental in establishing St. Luke Greek Orthodox Church community in East Longmeadow, MA, principally in her role as the director the St. Luke Choir for 45 yearswhose members were her second family. As a choir director, Cindy received the distinguished Athenagoras Award and St. Paul Medal. Cindy also served as the vice president of the Metropolis of Boston Greek Orthodox Choir Federation.
Upon the death of Mark in 2015, Cindy moved to Reading, MA to be closer to her children and her beloved grandchildren. In Reading, Cindy remained active in many social and church related activities, including as a member of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church choir in Woburn and a vice president of the Reading Woods Condos Social Committee.
Her family and friends will miss Cindy during trips to Cape Cod, Tanglewood, Greece, the Boston Symphony Orchestra concerts, book club meetings, and when rooting for her beloved Red Sox and Patriots.
Cindy is survived by her brother John A. Chrisant of South Hadley; her son Tony Rodolakis and his wife Daniela Marengo Blanas of Reading, MA, her daughter Alexa Darbe and her husband Eric of Hudson, NH; four amazing, magnificent grandchildren, Christopher, Alexander, Constantine and Penelopewhom she adored and proudly brought to Greece; as well many nieces, nephews, godchildren, and dedicated friendsall of whom she gratefully owes a wonderful, blessed life.
Visiting hours are Friday, May 16,10:00-11:00 a.m. at St. Luke Greek Orthodox Church, 400 Prospect Street, East Longmeadow, MA, followed by funeral service at 11:00 also at St. Luke. She will be laid to rest in the Oak Grove Cemetery, Springfield, MA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Luke’s Greek Orthodox Church Endowment Fund, 400 Prospect Street, East Longmeadow, MA 01028, or to the Metropolis of Boston Federation of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians, 1 Converse Street, Wakefield, MA 01880.
