Kyvele Gregory St. Peter

WATERVILLE – The family sadly announces that Kyvele Gregory St. Peter, mother, grandmother, and sister passed away on Dec. 4, 2022, at home.

Kyvele was born on Feb. 15, 1925, in Anemotia Mytilene, Greece to George and Sophia Hadidiacos. In 1946 Kyvele’s parents, together with her brother and sister, came to the United States. Because Kyvele was over the age of 19 years old, immigration laws prevented her from joining them and she was left behind. Kyvele was left without any family as her other two brothers were serving in Germany. This was a difficult time for all. Deeply missing her family, it was to be five years before they were reunited. This became possible when Kostas I. Gregory, a good friend of Kyvele’s parents, offered to marry her. Going to Bermuda, Kyvele was met by her father who introduced her to her future husband. Kyvele and Kostas married in 1951 and stayed in Bermuda for three months until her visa came through.

Upon their arrival to the United States, Kyvele and Kostas settled in Waterville, Maine and had a Greek Orthodox wedding at St. George Church in Bangor, Maine in August 1952. Together they raised two sons, Kostas and George, while maintaining a successful apartment rental business, which Kyvele continued to run until the age of 94. Coming to the United States and marrying Kostas Gregory improved Kyvele’s life, but he passed too soon. Kyvele had to start a new life once again. Upon Kostas’s death in 1960, Kyvele assumed full responsibilities. She had a difficult time with the English language, raising two young sons and running a business on her own. Because of her education in Greece, attending English classes for several years wasn’t too difficult. Kyvele went on to get her driver’s license and worked in the rental business as a single parent for four years.

In 1964, Kyvele married Sheldon E. St. Peter and life became easier with his help. In 1966, Kyvele proudly received her American citizenship. Together Kyvele and Sheldon raised the boys and shared responsibilities in the business. Sheldon filled the role of father and the boys never thought of him as a stepfather, only as their dad. Kyvele was always helping her tenants any way possible to improve their lives. She worked hard to ensure her sons would have a better life and education.

Kyvele and Sheldon enjoyed snowmobiling with the International Snowmobile Club. She enjoyed her camp with her grandchildren, fishing, boating and swimming. Visitors were always welcome, enjoying cookouts and Greek food. Kyvele donated many hand-knit articles to the church and the needy; and was passionate about gardening (she was a real green thumb) and cooking. Her family, especially her grandchildren, were her life. Kyvele enjoyed traveling, wintering in Jacksonville, Florida, trips to Bermuda and Greece and traveling with friends. She enjoyed ballroom dancing with private lessons, never missing a Saturday night with friends. Kyvele joined St. George Orthodox Church in Bangor in 1951, contributing to services in good standing and was also a faithful attendant of St. Mark’s of Waterville. For many years she assisted the priest in organizing Orthodox services in Waterville. Kyvele was honored for her work in 2005, receiving the ministry award from the Metropolis of Boston.

Kyvele was predeceased by her parents, George and Sophia Hadidiacos, her brother, Veron and his wife Cleo, her brother Pericles and his wife Artimus, her first husband, Kostas I. Gregory, her second husband of 48 years, Sheldon St. Peter, her brother-in-law, Peter Lee, her Uncle Peter Pericles, her sister-in-law, Elaine Hadidiacos, and nephew-in-law Carl Snow.

Kyvele is survived by her two sons, Kostas C. Gregory and his wife Erna-Sue of Waterville, Maine and George K. Gregory of Rhode Island, five grandchildren, Nike Gregory and her partner John Elwell of Massachusetts, Konstantinos Gregory and his partner Cecilia Avina Lopez of California, Yorgos Gregory and his wife Erika of Massachusetts, Burke Gregory of Massachusetts, Madison Gregory and partner Joy Olson of California and two great-granddaughters Emilia and Olivia Gregory of Massachusetts (parents Erika and Yorgos), two great-grandsons Konstantinos and Emiliano Gregory of California (parents Cecilia and Konstantinos). Also surviving are sister, Chris Lee of Winslow, Maine, brother Christos Hadidiacos of Maryland, nieces Betty Lee of Bangor, Maine, Michelle Belski and her husband Gary and son Jordan of Maryland, Sophia Kavoulas and husband Demetrios of Greece and nephews Lewis Lee of Winslow, Maine, Michael Hadidiacos and wife Kristina of North Carolina, Yorgos Hadidiacos and Demetrios Hadidiacos of Chicago and special Godchild, Dora Kalfas and husband Christos of Greece. In addition, stepdaughter, Rosemary Drouin, stepsons, Willis and John St. Peter and several step-grandchildren together with many more nieces and nephews in Greece. Kyvele will be deeply missed by all.

The family wishes to thank Cathy and numerous caregivers who made life easier for Kyvele over the years. A special thank you to Laura who worked tirelessly to provide the very best care for our mother. We also appreciate the many ways Mark helped Kyvele over the years. Kyvele was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother and friend. Visitation will be at Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville on Monday, Dec. 12, 2022, from 6 -8 p.m. (masks strongly encouraged). Service will be at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church 60 Eustis Parkway in Waterville on Tuesday, December 13 beginning at 11 a.m. Masks required (church policy).

An online guestbook may be signed, and condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

Donations can be made in Kyvele’s memory to St. George Greek Orthodox Church at 90 Sanford St., Bangor, ME 04401, or to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church

60 Eustis Parkway,

Waterville, ME 04901.