Niki (Rodopoulos) of Waltham, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2026. Born in Patras, Greece, to the late Yianni and Andriana (Kyriazis) Rodopoulos, Niki emigrated to the United States in the 1960s at the age of 22. Her early days in America saw her working as a nanny before joining Beaver Medical Company in Waltham. There, she formed a lasting friendship with Maria Anastasiou, who introduced her to her brother, John. A whirlwind romance led to their marriage and a life filled with love, laughter, and family.

Together, Niki and John raised three beloved children, Tassos, Diane, and Peter. Cherished summer trips to Cape Cod and visits to her childhood home in Patras allowed Niki to share her roots and heritage with her family. Her culinary skills made holidays and gatherings memorable, as she delighted in cooking for her loved ones.

As a devoted Yiayia, Niki relished every moment with her grandchildren, passing on the traditions of her Greek heritage. She found immense joy in Greek dances alongside John and dedicated herself to her church as a devout Orthodox Christian.

Preceded in death by her beloved husband, John A. Anastasiou, Niki leaves behind her loving children: Tassos and his wife Diane, Diane and her husband Dennis, and Peter and his wife Irene. Her grandchildren, Gina Eleni, Sofia, Alex, John, Nicholas, and James, will forever hold her memory dear. She is also survived by her sisters, Voula Nikopoulos, Vaso Tsomokou and her husband Thanasi, as well as her sister-in-law Eleni Rodopoulos, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends both here and in Greece. She was predeceased by her brother Haralambos Rodopoulos and her late brother in law George Nikopoulos.

We will deeply miss her warmth and generous spirit. Her funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at the Taxiarchae Greek Orthodox Church in Watertown, Massachusetts. Visitation will precede the service. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to her cherished church. Niki will be laid to rest at Mt. Feake Cemetery in Waltham.