Oldest living Castellorizian in Australia?

[billalexiou]

hello all , I was wondering who would be the oldest living Kazi residing in Australia. My grandmother who lives on her own in Sydney is 96, turning 97 next April.

[Administrator]

Bill,

Are you able to give me more details about your grandmother?

For example, when precisely was she born? If she was born around 1911, does she have any memories of the French on the island? She would have been 10 years old when they left, so I don't expect her to recall a lot. Nevertheless, any reminiscences would be helpful.

And what are her memories of the Italians after 1921?

Finally, when did she leave the island, and in what circumstances?

If your grandmother is happy, and well enough, to be interviewed formally, please also let me know. I'd be delighted to meet her.

Nick

[billalexiou]

Nick, she left the island in 1936 for Sydney, to be married. I will ask her tomorrow if her recollection of events is good enough for an interview

[katina]

Hi Nicholas,

Did you ever hear anything more regarding Bill's grandmother, who may be the oldest Kassie in Australia?

I believe she is my late father's sister (Anastasia Diamond, nee Kambouris).

Would you know if she is still alive?

Regards,

Katina

[Administrator]

Katina,

Anastasia Diamond (nee Kambouris) is indeed alive and well and residing in Kingsford. She is 97 years young (born 25 April 1911) and very lucid.

I had the pleasure of interviewing her a couple of weeks back and the experience was both a moving and memorable one for me.

My thanks to Bill and his Mum for permitting me access to their wonderful yiayia/mother.

Nicholas

[katina]

Thanks Nicholas for the information regarding my aunt. I have been out of touch with my Greek connections for many years, but since the introduction of the Castellorizo Forum I'm eager to learn more about my family's anscestry.

My aunt is now the last member of my father's generation and the information she holds is precious. I will endeavour to make contact with my cousin when I'm in Sydney later in the year.

Thanks again for such an informative forum and the work you personally do to keep it going.

Katina

[stefanc]

I reckon my aunt Nellie Saravanos who is early-90s is probably the oldest Kassie still working. She and her daughter Chrissie run the Oceanic Cafe in Elizabeth St Sydney which I think is also Sydney's oldest continuously operating cafe.

[Administrator]

stefanc,

Can you please give me your aunt's details: maiden name, year of birth on Castellorizo, date of arrival in Australia and family disposition?

I would very much like to hear any stories she recalls from her experiences on the island.

Nicholas

[stefanc]

Nicholas
Sorry for the delay.
Nellie's maiden name was Couani, mother's maiden name was Anna Harami.
Anna married Spiro Couani in Alexandria.
Nellie was born there, before they left for Australia via Singapore, landing in Darwin in August 1916.
I don't see Nellie, except at family funerals. She's never been to Greece.
Of my father's generation in his part of the Couani family, only he has ever been to Kastelorizo, in 1978.
Nellie married Nick Saravanos in Sydney, and they ran the Oceanic for many decades. NIck died in the 1970s.
They had three kids:
1 Anna (Noula), who ran the P&S cafe in Pitt St with her husband Steve Pappas for some years in the 1960s and early 70s, but now lives in Athens
2 Crissy, who still works at the Oceanic
3 Cleanthis (Cleo) who has been a taxi driver as long as I've known him

[katina]

Nicholas
I have just learned that my aunt Anastasia Diamond, my father's sister, possibly the oldest cassie in Australia passed away on 14th April, just eleven days short of her 101st birthday. Whilst she lived a remarkable life, her death now brings the end of of her generation, being the youngest of her parents 7 children.

[Administrator]

Katina,

I'm very sorry to hear the sad news - she was a wonderful lady and I so enjoyed my brief time with her.

My sympathies to you and to her entire family.

Nicholas

PS: Eleni Confos (nee Galettis) of Kingsford is still going strong at 100+!

[stefanc]

My aunt was featured in a Spectrum story the SMH did last weekend on the people who have worked in the Surry Hills area for many decades. It relates to a photo exhibition.
She's 97 now according to the article. Unfortunately I can't find a web link.
Since my father died last year she's the last one left in that generation of the family.

[stefanc]

per my message above, my aunt Nellie Saravanos died in January - about 96, I think and the last of the generation
the Oceanic Cafe hasn't opened since then