Published March 26, 2021
MELROSE — Mrs. Evelyn (Chalapatas) “Effie” DeBenedetto, a longtime Melrose resident, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Saturday, March 20, 2021, at age 90.
Evelyn was born in Boston on August 30, 1930, the only daughter of four children to Greek immigrants, George and Diana (Primpas) Chalapatas. She was raised in Allston, graduated from Brighton High School, and from Katherine Dell Secretarial School. Evelyn worked in a variety of secretarial roles before becoming a homemaker, then returned to the work force as Medical Transcriptionist. Her career at the Malden Hospital spanned over 30 years, until her retirement. A hard-working woman and dedicated mother, Effie balanced raising her family of four children while maintaining her professional career.
With family roots in Greece, Effie was raised with an appreciation for hard work, family and her heritage. Growing up in Boston, the Chalapatas family was committed to the success of St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, and the life lessons learned as a young woman contributed to Effie becoming the kind, modest, and caring person she was.
After settling in Malden to raise her own family, Effie moved to Melrose in 1983 where she became active in the community while endearing herself to neighbors. With a well-known green thumb, she was a longtime member of the Melrose Garden Club and enjoyed tending to her backyard flower and vegetable garden. In her free time, she loved sitting on the beach watching the ocean or reading. She enjoyed many visits with family to Nantucket or Narragansett, RI. With pride and love for New England, Effie was a lifelong Red Sox fan, and always loved a lobster dinner.
Throughout her life, Effie kept her roots close to her heart by speaking fluent Greek, perfecting the art of Greek pastries, and honoring her parents with a life devoted to family. She centered her life around her children, and developed a special connection with each of her seven grandchildren. Known for her warm and friendly smile, she made connections easily and will be reunited with her lifelong friends, the late Marianne Almeida and the late Antonetta DeBenedetto. She will be deeply missed, but her inquisitive mind, sense of humor, and humble, steady nature will continue to inspire through the lives of her family. May her memory be eternal.
Effie was the devoted wife of the late Joseph J. DeBenedetto. Beloved mother of Diana Weinburg and her husband Mark of Melrose; Michael DeBenedetto and his wife Colleen of Hopkinton; Joseph DeBenedetto and his wife Michelle of N. Reading; and the late Lisa Friesner and her surviving husband Greg of San Jose, CA. Predeceased by her siblings Costa Chalas and his wife Cathie; John Chalas and his wife Ann; and James Chalas and his wife Dimitra. Cherished grandmother of Michael Weinburg and his wife Genevieve; Mary Weinburg; Matthew Weinburg; Kairat DeBenedetto; Anthony DeBenedetto; Matthew DeBenedetto; and Andrew DeBenedetto. Proud great-grandmother of Matilda, Augustus, and Greta. Also cherished by many loving nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours in honor of Effie and Lisa at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Thursday, March 25 from 4-7 p.m. All locations will be observing social distancing requirements due to COVID. We ask that all attendees respect public health precautions and restrictions throughout services. A limited number of guests will be allowed in the funeral home at one time. Effie’s funeral service will be held at the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, 70 Montvale Ave., Woburn on Friday, March 26 at 10 a.m. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. Gifts in her name may be made to Boston Children’s Hospital, 401 Park Dr., #602, Boston, MA 02215, bostonchildrens.org, or Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284, dana-farber.org For online tribute visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com
