Koumis & Angeliki Nicolaou
(From Ayios Andronicos, Karpasia & Yerani, Cyprus)
Koumis Nicolaou was born to his mother Kolarou on July 16th 1936, in Ayios Andronicos, Karpasia. Following the tragic death of his father and brother he followed the Cypriot diaspora and arrived in London in 1954. He apprenticed himself as a tailors hand in the East End where he became a fully qualified gents tailor. In 1956 he married Angeliki. In the same year their daughter Androulla was born and later their son Nikos in 1960.

The family returned to Cyprus briefly in 1962 where Koumis hoped to join the fire brigade in Famagusta. However, the family returned to England in 1962 and settled in the Holloway area, moving to Highbury in 1966. Koumis worked in the dress manufacturing industry for over sixty years. He devoted his later years to looking after and being the main carer to his wife Angeliki after her dementia diagnosis.

Angeliki and Koumis were married for 65 years. Koumis died of Covid-19, two weeks before his wife Angeliki. Leaving behind his daughter Androulla and son Nikos. Grandchildren Nina, Jacob and Christopher. Great grand children Ellie, Chloe, Noah and Roman. He was very close to his sisters Lambrini and Nikki. Koumis was known for his dry sense of humour and his formidable outlook. He was particularly devoted to his grand children. He would regale them with stories of his childhood, the mischief he would get up to in his village in Cyprus and of his early days in London in the 1950’s. He will always be cherished for the affection of his particular brand of humour and the importance of passing down our stories from one generation to the other. He dedicated the last eleven years of his life caring for his wife during her fight with dementia.

Angeliki was born to parents Kola and Christina in Yerani, Cyprus on 19th April 1933.
In 1950 she left Cyprus and her beloved parents to join her older sister Anna in London. On her arrival she worked as a machinist in the sweatshops of the East End. She married Koumis on St Valentine’s day 1956. Shortly after Androulla was born following on with Nikos in 1960. She was a devoted, sister, wife, mother and grandmother. She was known for her sweet nature and generosity of spirit and her modest demeanour. Always giving, always brave, always selfless for her family.

She died of Covid-19 after a long battle with dementia. The only comfort is that she joins her husband Koumis. Reflecting on their marriage, their love for each other and their love for their family, helps us to understand the nature of commitment, dedication, loyalty and forgiveness. She leaves behind children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Androulla, Nikos, Nina, Jacob, Christoper, Ellie, Chloe,Noah and Roman. Her memory will always be a beacon of light for us, as was her presence when she was alive.

Parikiaki extend their condolences to the Family