New York.- Julia Cheliotes (nee Karantzalis), mother of Greek American Labor Leader Arthur Cheliotes passed away on Tuesday May 10, 2005 in Manhasset, New York. Funeral Service was held on Saturday, May 14, in the Church of St Demetrios, Jamaica.

She was born in Greece on January 17, 1917 in the town of Krokees south of Sparta. She grew up during the depression and the Nazi Occupation of Greece. She came to this country after the war and married our late father Nick Cheliotes on September 7, 1947. They raised their family in Jamaica, NY centered around the Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church.

She was active in the Greek School PTA and the Philoptohos (Friends of the Poor) and opened her home to meetings and parties of the Boy Scouts, Junior GOYA, Church Choir, Sons of Pericles and Maids of Athena. She personified the term 'Homemaker' for she made her house a home for family and all who needed one.

In a statement, her son Arthur said:
"She has found her rest. We mourn her passing but we celebrate her life. The strength and support she gave us and her entire family encouraged us to flourish and thrive. She often referred to herself as a 'Spartiatisa' . a tough Spartan woman. The women of ancient Sparta would tell their fierce warrior sons to return from their battles as victors or dead on their shields. She needed that same toughness for the struggles life brought her".