Danvers - Cynthia (Vounatsos) Gikas, 84, beloved wife of the late John Gikas, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at the Kaplan house in Danvers while holding hands with her youngest daughter, Joanna.

Born and raised in Agiasos, Greece, she was the daughter of the late Harilaos and Marianthi (Kazanzi) Vounatsos. She emigrated to the United States in the 1960's, settling in New York then Lynn, before moving to Danvers where she resided for many years.

Mrs. Gikas was a longtime member of St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church in Peabody and an active member of the church's Philoptohos Society. She loved hosting elaborate gatherings in her Danvers home, spending weeks preparing, decorating, and cooking for family and friends. Always impeccably dressed, she believed in looking her best whether running a simple errand or attending a family or church event.

She and her husband traveled extensively throughout the world, and she had a great love for shopping. She devoted her life to lovingly caring for her children and grandchildren, and above all, took immense pride and joy in being the best Yiayia to her grandchildren. She was a deeply loving mother, Yiayia, sister, and friend, and will be profoundly missed by all who knew her.

In her final months, Cynthia was able to share cherished moments with her family, traveling to South Florida to celebrate her grandson's wedding and spend Thanksgiving together. Her last weeks were marked by the comforting presence and love of family and friends.

Surviving her are two daughters, Vanessa Bornstein of Florida and Joanna Gikas and her husband, George Markos of Danvers, four grandchildren, Alexia Vayeos, Jonathan Bornstein and his wife, Rachel, Julian Markos and Adrian Markos, a sister, Eleni Koumlelis of Connecticut and several nieces and nephews. She was also the mother of the late Michael C. Vayeos. She was also predeceased by siblings from Greece, Australia and Germany.

A visiting hour will be held at St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church, 5 Paleologos St., Peabody, Friday, February 6, 2026 from 10 to 11 a.m. followed by a service in the church at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Burial in Pine Grove Cemetery, Lynn. Arrangements by the Conway Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody. For directions and online guestbook please visit www.ccbfuneral.com.