Monday, April 8, 2019
Among the rare figures we carry in our hearts over decades, Aliki was there for me, over the past 30 years, like a rock, a trusted confidante.
When I arrived here in 1985 to teach in the French Department at Penn State, Aliki had already obtained her Master’s degree in French literature but she enjoyed taking graduate seminars beyond that. She took, I believe, everything I offered in the next few years. I was lucky she did, because she was a wonderful leader for the younger students, spurring them on when they complained too much, and giving them her own example of work well done, with some spark. We slowly became close friends. I grew not only to like her but also to respect her, for her strength and energy in the face of life's challenges.
In fact, she became not only an older sister to me, but through me, a friend to many friends of mine. Her wisdom, groundedness, love of life, and generosity became legendary in our little circle. And when we all grew older, but were still younger than she was, she shared with everyone, even those she never met, her medical insights, and always her caring warmth.
From farther back, I remember the categorical advice she gave me when I bought my house, insisting that I get THIS one, and not another, no ifs or buts. I thank her to this day for this choice.
I remember also a few charmed days we spent together in Greece. Aside from the expected cultural visits, I cherish the sight I still carry of Aliki, waist deep in the blue Mediterranean sea, looking up, worshiping the sun. Or the memory of a simple dinner of grilled fresh fish under a leafy canopy on the edge of the water. She savored every moment to the fullest.
And I remember her good taste and sharp eye, to which I entrusted many a fashion investment and their required alterations.
When she passed, friends reacted in shock, but also shared their memories. I’ll share just a few:
--My colleague from the French Department, Christiane Makward, writing from Paris, reminisced of Aliki’s
“love of life and of books, her elegance, her discretion… When I lost my son, she said, Aliki put together a small group she called ‘Friends of Proust’ [Proust being the French writer they all loved] to give me support”
--Ekoke, a former graduate student who took seminars with Aliki:
--“I have no words. Could not believe her age, back then; I felt she was an older sister. So full of life, always!”
--Lynn from Lewisburg:
“You’re right, she WAS a force of nature, that was clear from just the few times I spent with her.”
--Véronique, a friend who met Aliki more recently:
“I had so hoped to be able to socialize with Aliki. I remember her talking about the hostas she planted … “
--and someone else from the French Department today, Willa Silverman:
“Beloved friends should never die, but their memory will live on. May her memory be a blessing.”
