Susie Stilianos
Susie C. Stilianos
August 8, 1937 – September 13, 2025
Susie (Raptopoulos) Stilianos, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 13, at the age of 88.
Born in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Chris and Eleni Raptopoulos. Susie grew up in a close-knit Greek family as the youngest of five children, and the twin sister of Harry. She graduated from the High School of Commerce in Detroit in 1955 and began her career in the accounting department at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
In 1959, Susie married the love of her life, Crist Stilianos. Together they built both a family and a business, owning and operating Royal Norge Dry Cleaners in northwest Detroit for over 35 years. Beloved by the community, side by side they worked tirelessly while raising their children. In 1969, the family moved to Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, where Susie lived for the rest of her life. Crist and Susie shared an unshakable bond until his passing in 1989.
Susie was a woman of many passions. She was a true master in the kitchen, famous for her spanakopita, tsoureki bread, and countless other Greek delicacies. Her cookbook collection was legendary, and she passed down her love of Greek cuisine to family and friends. She delighted in travel, exploring Greece, Italy, France and much of Europe, as well as sharing magical trips to Disney World with her children and grandchildren. A woman of deep faith, she sang in her church choir, worked countless church festivals and was a dedicated member of the Philoptochos women’s society and Argonauts, always serving her parish with joy.
Known affectionately as “Yiayia Susie,” her warmth, radiant smile, quick wit, and original one-liners left an impression on everyone she met. She had a curious mind, loved a good mystery novel, and carried boundless energy throughout her life.
Above all, Susie will be remembered for her deep love of family, compassion for others, her devotion to God, and the joy she brought to all who knew her.
May her memory be eternal.
Beloved wife of the late Crist Stilianos for 30 years. Loving mother of Crist Stilianos, Jr. (Dr. Krishna), Demetri “Jim” Stilianos (Cindy), Dr. Steve Stilianos (Evangeline), and Dr. Helen Economy (Thomas). Devoted grandmother of Crist Stilianos (Andrew), Christina Stilianos (fiancé Dan Shiffman), Dr. Alexis Stilianos (fiancé Anthony Deblasi), Jamie Stilianos, Stephen Economy, Panagiotis Stilianos, Cristo Stilianos, Irene Economy, and Stelio Stilianos. Proud great-grandmother of Cristos Mizerik Stilianos. Dear sister of the late Leona Lalios (the late Mike), the late James “George” Raptopolous (the late Sophie), the late Arnold Raft (the late Connie), and the late Harry Raptopolous (Deborah).
She was predeceased by her husband Crist; her siblings Leona, Arnold, George, and twin brother Harry; and her parents.
Family will receive friends on Thursday, September 18, 2025, from 4:00pm-8:00pm at A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Home 2600 Crooks Rd (between Maple/Big Beaver) Troy, MI 48084. A Trisagion service will be held at 7:00pm.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025, at 10:00am at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church 760 W. Wattles RD. Troy, MI 48098. Visitation begins at the church at 9:30am.
Burial will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Detroit, Michigan next to her beloved Crist.
Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a donation in Susie’s memory to either St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to the church.