Obituary of Stefani Perakis

Lewiston, NY - Stefani Perakis, age 51 of Lewiston, died Sunday October 19, 2008 under the loving care of her family and Niagara Hospice in Niagara Hospice House in Lockport, NY after a lengthy illness. Stefani was born July 6, 1957 in Salem, MA, the daughter of Connie (Spiliotis) Perakis of Lewiston and the late John Perakis. She was a 1976 graduate of Lewiston- Porter High School and received her A.A.S. Degree from Niagara County Community College in 1986. Stefani was a Counselor, employed by Niagara County Mental Health Dept. in Niagara Falls, NY. Stefani's proudest accomplishment was the development and implementation of the Niagara County Rape Crisis Services. Stefani's favorite loves were cooking and entertaining for her family and many friends. She was a member of St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church. In addition to her mother, she is survived by a brother, William (Karen) Perakis of Pleasanton, CA; a sister, Christina Harris of Ashburn, VA; a nephew, Lucas Harris (Dan Belue) of Grand Island, NY; a niece, Jessica Harris of Lewiston; her dearest aunt and uncle, Virginia and Edwin Dutille; several other aunts and uncles; her Godmother, Sylvia Eon; her dearest friend, Annette D'Apallo Legg & Family as well as many other dear friends, relatives, and her special Angels who held a Benefit for Stefani on October 4. She also is survived by her husband, James DeVaney. Graveside Services and Burial will be held on Friday, October 24, at 11:30 a.m. in the Greenlawn Cemetery in Salem, MA. Flowers are gratefully declined. Those wishing to remember Stefani in a special way may make memorial contributions to the Grand Island Relay for Life c/o the American Cancer Society, 101 John James Audubon Parkway, Amherst, NY 14228 or to Carolyn House, YWCA, 542 6th St., Niagara Falls, NY 14301. Local arrangements have been entrusted to Conway Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, Peabody, MA.