Chrys Anixiadis-Cutrone, DDS (1962-2011) was born in Greece and practiced in San Juan Capistrano, CA. She was a graduate of the USC Pediatric Dentistry program and a past president of their USC Pediatric Alumni group.
Chrys was a great pediatric dentist. She could always make a child smile. Parents trusted and believed in her exceptional skills, sincerity and honesty. Chrys was a consummate learner who wanted to share her knowledge with others. She dreamed of living in Laguna Niguel and having a practice in Orange County. She lived the dream. Beyond being an accomplished pediatric dentist, Chrys was one of the original founders of the Greek Orthodox Mission of South Orange County. She was instrumental in helping to establish many of the children's programs including Greek school, Greek dance, GOYA, taught Sunday school and was even a board member of the Church's Steering Committee. Wherever there was a need, be it at church, at her children's schools, emergency for a patient, a friend or stranger, Chrys was always there to help. Her contributions of time, talent and funds were countless. She will be dearly missed.
Chrys Cutrone Memorial by Irene Basdakis
Since many of you are in attendance today to remember Chrys Cutrone, I want to say a few words on her behalf.
On September 18, 2011, we lost one of the founding members of our church - Chrys Cutrone. From the very beginning, she, like the others in June 1993, wanted to establish a Greek Orthodox church that included the traditions, customs and language that many of us fondly grew up with and wanted to pass down to our children as well. Chrys worked tirelessly, made many friends and helped others any way she could - whether here at church or in her children’s dental practice in San Juan Capistrano. For a while even our greek school classes and other meetings were held at her business. Our church celebrated its very first baptism when my husband John and I baptized little John.
Whether Chrys was your colleague, dentist, fellow parishioner, mother or friend, for those of you who knew her, I know you would all agree that Chrys was special. She touched the lives of so many. And of all the numerous awards, degrees, accomplishments and successes she had earned in her 48 years here on earth, I have no doubt that her greatest achievement was being the mother to Samantha and John.
Samantha and John, you are your mother’s pride and joy. She was ALWAYS so very proud of the both of you. Her wishes for you Samantha were to continue your journey in life. She wanted you to get your college applications in and to choose the school that you feel is best for you. Samantha, your Mom knew of your many talent and abilities and has no doubt that you will be successful in life. She also thought so highly of you as a person. She enjoyed you so much as a child and was amazed to see you grow into the beautiful and loving young lady that you are.
John, your parents wanted so much to have another baby and several years after Samantha was born, you were born. Your birth instantly made your Mom so happy. When she talked about you, she always had a huge smile on her face. And she enjoyed so much your stories, expressions, acting skills, humor and wit. Your Mom asked us all to watch over you and to be there for you and that is what we will do.
Since her passing, so many wonderful comments were made about your mom. I want you to know what others thought of her. She will be remembered for:
- how she loved with her heart,
- her generosity with her time,
- her undying love for her husband, family, extended family and close friends;
- her quick and infectious humor and laugh,
- her empathy and love for her patients and how she wanted her practices to go to the person(s) that would treat them as well as she did vs how much she could get for the practice when she could no longer work;
- her love, dedication and passion for her children;
- her intelligence and smart wit;
- her strength of faith in our Lord;
- her operating on "Greek" time with a smile that melted your heart and couldn't allow you to be upset;
- She was the can-do person for her church, schools, family and friends; when asked, she never said "no";
- she believed in the goodness of people and always looked for the positive side of life;
and,
- her brave battle again cancer and her acceptance and willingness to go in peace.
May all of Chrys’s loved ones including her family, friends and her beloved parents, continue to remember what she stood for in her life.
Lastly, I was asked to read you a special poem. It was written by Chrys’s late nephew Martin, who passed away 6 years ago, suddenly at the age of 19. Martin’s mother Camille, wanted to dedicate this poem in memory of Chrys
The Inspiration Poem
by Martin
I Find my inspiration everywhere,
In my heart with the tear,
In my eyes with the love,
In my soul that is barren of,
You
Chrys, you were an angel living here on earth. You will be missed but not forgotten
