Efthymia Carzis

Efthymia "Efi" Carzis, of Ocean Grove, was born on January 20, 1925 in Athens, Greece. A beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, Efi was devoted to her family. She passed away peacefully on the morning of October 22, 2016, at the age of 91. The eldest of five children, Efi often helped her mother take care of the little ones as a young girl. Living in Europe through World War II, she would tell her family stories of what it was like to grow up during the war and the sacrifices her parents made for their children. During better times, Efi loved to sing and play the piano. As a graduate of the French Convent School, she could speak fluent French, which later helped her to learn English when she emigrated to the United States with her husband and three children in 1963. The young family lived first in Cohasset, Massachusetts, before moving to North Plainfield, where she spent most of her life raising her children and working in the family business. Known as "Yaya" to her grandchildren and their friends, Efi was beloved by all who knew her. She lived the last several years of her life in Ocean Grove, where she was well known by her welcoming tone and bright smile. Her dream was to be near the ocean and she loved to see how the town came alive during the summer months. Efi was predeceased by her dear husband and father of her three children, Peter Carzis, and also by her two brothers, George and Stephanos Vrouvas of Athens, Greece. She is survived by two sisters, Lina Maniatis and Mary Christodoulatos of Athens, Greece. She also leaves behind her two sons, George Carzis and partner Linda of Colonia, Evan Carzis and his wife Bridget of New York City, and her daughter Maria Carzis Boyes and her husband James, of Westfield. She had seven adored grandchildren who meant the world to her: Heather, Quinlan, Truman, Peter, Electra, David, and Eva, and her beloved great-grandson, Corbin. She will be missed by all. Visitation will be held 3:00 – 5:00 and 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 26, from at the funeral home. Everyone attending funeral services is to meet at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1101 River Road, Piscataway. Memorial donations may be made to the United Methodist Communities at Francis Asbury Manor , 70 Stockton Avenue Ocean Grove, New Jersey 07756, or St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1101 River Road, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854.