Kapalis, Gloria ( Esserian ), age 87, of Wellesley and West Yarmouth, MA, passed away peacefully at home October 8, 2023. Beloved wife of the late Emmanuel Kapalis. Devoted mother of Erica Kapalis Bond of Needham and Dmitri Kapalis and his wife Anne of Dedham. Cherished grandmother of Jack, Gia and Joe Bond. Sister of Helen Esserian, the late Armen Esserian, and the late Madeleine Koshgarian and her late husband Robert. Sister-in-law of Konstantina Diakogiannis, Efstathios Kapalis and his wife Filitsa, Cheryl Kapalis and the late Georgios Kapalis. Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Gloria was born in Watertown, MA on February 27, 1936 – the baby in the family of Arika and Jack Esserian, Armenian Genocide Survivors. A "straight A" student, after graduating from Watertown High School, she trained to become a Radiologic Technician and went on to work in Boston and San Francisco while also taking time to follow her passion to travel abroad. It was on a boat ride to Greece that she met her future husband, Emmanuel. They courted long distance and eventually married and settled in Athens, Greece until they chose to return to the Boston area in 1964 to start a family.
Gloria was a valuable employee of the Newton Wellesley Hospital ER for more than 30 years and was recognized as such. During her career, she also worked at several private practices and hospitals, making many dear and lifelong friends along the way. She continued to work “for fun” well into her sixties, until her first grandchild was born, at which point she knew her true and final vocation would be as grandma “GG”, and in this endeavor, she excelled.
Devoted to her parents and children, she supported their every activity. She never missed a hockey game, school performance, or soccer match. She was always the first to bring oranges to the field. In fact, she was well-known in her desire to feed people, lots of people! A wonderful cook, she could turn humble ingredients into a feast for the soul. Her Armenian specialties were renowned, especially her Paklava and Spinach Boreg, both of which she was often asked to prepare for the catered events of friends. She passed along her love of cooking to her daughter and grandson Jack, both of whom intend to make sure her recipes are never forgotten. Her granddaughter Gia is the family's best grape leaf roller, having lovingly worked alongside GG on many a batch of Yalanchi. Her grandson Joe never ceased to make her laugh.
Gloria was an enthusiastic Bridge player and loved to entertain friends, neighbors and family at her homes in Wellesley and Cape Cod. She was known for her beautiful smile, as a gracious and generous host, loyal and dear friend, loving sister, aunt, and cousin, and as the most devoted daughter, mother and grandmother.
Funeral Service at Saint James Armenian Church, 465 Mount Auburn Street, Watertown on Thursday, October 12 at 12 noon. Visiting hours will be held at Saint James Armenian Church on Thursday morning from 10:30 – 12:00 noon, immediately prior to the funeral service. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Saint James Armenian Church or to the Armenian Missionary Association of America; humanitarian aid to Artsakh,31 West Century Road, Paramus, N.J. 07652.
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Interment at Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge.