Kalliope (Callie) was born in Kalamata, Greece on February 4, 1946. At the age of 5, she immigrated to Lincoln, California with her parents Ilias and Hariklia Frangos.
They later moved to Sacramento where her two brothers, Jim and Chris were born. The family joined the Annunciation church there and became active members, Ilias on the Parish Council and Harikilia as the Philoptochos President. They also joined AHEPA, Daughters of Penelope, and the Messinian Society. Kalliope was active in the life of the church. She joined the church choir at 16 years old and participated in Sacramento’s international events representing the Greek community with Greek exhibits and dancing.
The family moved to Millbrae in 1967 and joined Holy Trinity Church, where Hariklia’s cousin, Fr. Anthony Costouros presided. Kalliope joined the choir there. The family also attended Annunciation Cathedral, where they were very active with the Messinian Society. Kalliope earned her B.A. and teaching credential at San Francisco State University and went on to teach at Bowditch Middle School in Foster City.
She met her husband Vlasis in typical Greek fashion, at a wedding, and they were married in 1973. Soonafter, they bought a home in Belmont and joined the Church of the Holy Cross there.
Kalliope stopped teaching at Bowditch after her twin daughters, Irene and Hariklia (Lea) were born. Kalliope started teaching Sunday School at Holy Cross when Irene and Lea first enrolled. She taught there for twenty years. Kalliope was also active in the Greek School, serving in P.T.O offices for 12 years, including President. She also organized the Greek celebrations, as well as set up a Greek exhibit every year at the Festival. She helped in the Philoptochos and at many church events. Kalliope was active in the dance program, serving as parent representative for many years, as well as assisting with the making the costumes. Spiro was born in 1981 and completed the family.
Kalliope was active in her childrens’ school’s PTA holding several offices, including President and always helped in her children’s classrooms. She was the Belmont PTA Council President and served on the District PTA. She received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the PTA for all her volunteer efforts and years of service.
Kalliope had joined the Daughters of Penelope, but became more active when she started the Maids chapters with her daughters, Irene and Lea. She was active in offices at her chapter level, including President, moving up to the District Level as District Maids of Athena Advisor and other offices. She became the District Governor of the Daughters of Penelope, at the same time her daughter Irene was District Governor and Lea District Lt. Governor of the Maids of the Athena. Kalliope was Chapter Penelope of the Year and District Penelope of the Year. She went on to be on the National Advisory Board Zone#4 to the Maids of Athena. She is currently Secretary of her chapter and Chairman of the Past District Governors league.
In 1997, Kalliope and Vlasis joined Annunciation Cathedral, where Kalliope rediscovered her beloved choir. She helped with Sunday School music, Christmas programs and TGI Pascha. She and Vlasis helped annually at the festival with Gyro and Lamb, and of course, Kalliope with her beloved Greek Exhibit, displaying her treasures and regaling the community with stories and history. She has helped with elections, the Christmas card, annual fashion shows, and other church events. Kalliope was also very active in the dance program at the Cathedral as a parent representative for many years, assisting with fundraising and costumes. She continues to help with these things to this day, donating her time and skills making many costume pieces for dance groups. She has held office in the Messinian Society, where she is currently the President, the first woman to hold this office. She has been a Docent at her grandchildrens’ school volunteering to teach music, for the last 10 years and is their biggest fan. Kalliope enjoys her volunteering and feels rewarded with new friends and experiences. She loves to be involved and busy.
Vlasis & Kalliope found great joy when their children were all married, Lea to Bob Lyberopoulos, Irene to Chris Kyriacou, and Spiro to Shareen Saddik. Their greatest joy, however, is their grandchildren, Stelios, Kosta, Kallie, Vlasis, and Thanos.
Kalliope and Vlasis love to travel and spend time with family and friends. Their lives have always revolved around the Greek Church and community, which have been an anchor of strength. It is a legacy they have passed down to their children and grandchildren to continue for generations to come.