Carolyn Victoria Liviakis

January 10, 1929 – January 24, 2022

Resident of Walnut Creek, CA

   Carolyn V. Liviakis passed away peacefully January 24, 2022 surrounded by love. Beloved wife of the late Michael John Liviakis, and loving mother of daughter Victoria (Randy), sons John (Renee) and George Liviakis. Yiayia to grandchildren Michael, Caroline, Audrey, Katherine, Thomas, and Mikalah. She is also survived by her siblings Constantine (Kathy) Gundunas and the late Sylvia, Irene, and Louie, as well as her many treasured nieces, nephews, cousins, and godchildren.

   Born Carolyn Gundunas January 10, 1929 on a snowy day in Bayard, Nebraska on a small farm, Carolyn was a ray of sunlight all of her long life. Naturally beautiful, she was kind-hearted, blessed with an elegant style and grace, and subtle quirky wit. She was the middle child of a vibrant musical and theatrical family that stayed close all of their lives.

   Although her brothers went on to perform on Broadway and international opera houses, Carolyn was shy, and perhaps the most musically gifted. With no formal training she would sit at the piano and play hauntingly beautiful melodies pulled from the clouds. As a young woman, she sang with a variety of choral groups as well as a festive troupe called the “Sicilian Singers.” Her voice beguiled her future husband Michael John Liviakis and they married, moved to Sacramento, and had three children – Victoria, John, and George.

   Michael started his own business after the war called Alhambra Radio and TV, with eventually two locations.

   A lover of learning, Carolyn stayed up on current events, and advocated education. She was president of the PTA and raised her children to appreciate art and culture, insisting on classical training in piano and cello, which at times clashed with little league game schedules and Greek School lessons.

  She lost her beloved husband Michael to heart failure, but Carolyn continued to live life to the fullest as a compassionate friend to the young and old, and devoted herself to charitable causes. She delighted in playing bridge, and poor vision and diminished hearing allowed her to cheat on occasion.  While hearing loss pained her the most, she continued to find joy in music played from her boombox at high volume.

  Carolyn had a deep faith and connection to the Greek Orthodox Church, enriching the community as president of the Philoptochos Society (1967-1969), Sunday School teacher and director, and passionate choir singer. Her quiet strength and unshakeable dedication spoke volumes to all who knew her in the Sacramento, Concord, and Oakland congregations.

   Carolyn’s Funeral Service will be held Monday, Jan 31 at 10:30am at Ascension Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 4700 Lincoln Ave, Oakland and also broadcasted at ascensioncathedral.com. Makaria reception immediately following. Interment Tuesday, Feb 1 at 11:00am at East Lawn Memorial Park, 4300 Folsom Blvd, Sacramento.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorial contributions be made to the Ladies Philoptochos Society, Ascension Cathedral, 4700 Lincoln Ave, Oakland, CA 94602.

   May her memory be eternal.  For further information please call, Harry W. Greer, Funeral Director (FDR-745).

.