Sophia Victoria Bambalis

Sophia Victoria Bambalis, 25, died peacefully on January 31, 2014 surrounded by her loving family and friends. Sophia was born on August 5, 1988 in Winston-Salem, NC. She was the beloved daughter of Chris (Maurakis) and George Peter Bambalis and the devoted sister of Peter George Bambalis II. Sophia was predeceased by her paternal grandfather, Pete George Bambalis, and her maternal grandfather, George James Maurakis. Sophia attended Forsyth County Day School from pre-K thru 12. She graduated in 2007 cum laude and was a member of the National Honor Society and the National Art Honor Society. It was at FCDS that Sophia was inspired by her teachers to cultivate her love of academics, the arts, and athletics. Using her creative gifts, Sophia left behind a cherished collection of paintings, sculptures, and FCDS orchestra performances where she played the violin. Sophia was co-captain of the FCDS Women's Cross-Country team when they won the 2006 State Championship. As a member of the Girl Scouts, Sophia was the recipient of the Girl Scout Gold Award. During her first year of college, Sophia was enrolled in the North Carolina State University Honors Program. Sophia transferred as a sophomore to Georgetown University McDonough School of Business with a focus in International Business. Sophia was also vice-president of the Georgetown Marketing Club/Hilltop Consultants. As a devout Greek Orthodox Christian, Sophia lived her faith. She was known by friends as a kind and loving individual who was always there for them. Sophia was chosen as a participant of the Hellenic College/ Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology CrossRoad Summer Institute which helps Orthodox Christians discern their life callings and match their God-given gifts with the needs of the world. She was also selected as a representative to attend the 2007 International Youth Conference hosted by the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. After visiting Hagia Sophia (Church of the Holy Wisdom) and Constantinople, Sophia commented to her parents: ""Mom and Dad, this is the most beautiful place in the world."" Sophia leaves behind to cherish her memory her parents, Chris M. and George P. Bambalis, her brother, Peter G. Bambalis of Winston-Salem, NC, her maternal grandmother, Evangelia Kantsios Maurakis of Hampton, VA, her paternal grandmother, Nitsa Dombalis Bambalis of Winston-Salm, NC, her godparents, Terry and John Cortesis of Winston-Salem, NC, her aunt, Victoria Maurakis Panos (Costa) of Atlanta, GA, her uncles, James George Maurakis (Argie) of Gloucester, VA, and Arthur Pete Bambalis of Charlottesville, VA, and cousins, Alexandra (Alex) Maurakis, Evangelia (Allea) Maurakis, and George Maurakis of Gloucester, VA and Stephanie Panos of Atlanta, GA. She is also survived by many other loving cousins, aunts, and uncles. The family will receive family and friends at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 435 Keating Drive, Winston-Salem, NC, on Sunday, February 2, 2014 at 7:00PM to 8:30PM, with the Trisagion Prayer Service beginning at 7:30PM. The funeral will be held at 11:00AM on Monday, February 3, 2014 at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church and will be officiated by the Very Reverend Demetri Kangelaris, Reverend Father Demetrios Carellas, and Deacon Constantine Shepherd. Burial will be at Forsyth Memorial Park. The family is very grateful to the doctors and staff at Oak Forest Health and Rehabilitation, Baptist Hospital, and Carolinas Medical Center, our church and FCDS families, our loyal patrons at Nitsa's Apparel and Recreation Billiards, and many Winston-Salem friends. Your prayers, love, and support have enabled us to endure this most difficult time. ""I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."" 2 Timothy 4:7 In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial donations may be made to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 435 Keating Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27104, Panagia Prousiotissa Monastery, 404 Warner Road, Troy, NC 27371, or the Hospitality House of Charlotte, 1400 Scott Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28203. Arrangements are in the care of Hayworth-Miller Funeral Home, Silas Creek Chapel. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.

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