Aphrodite Madamas
Aphrodite Madamas: A life spanning Nearly a century
Aphrodite (Affy) Madamas was born in June 1931 in Springfield, Massachusetts. Her parents were Mary Strattos, who was 36 at the time of Aphrodite's birth, and Peter Nicholas Madamas, aged 41.
Aphrodite spent her early life in Springfield, Massachusetts, where she resided in 1935 and on April 1, 1940. She lived there as a single daughter in her family home. Tragically, her father, Peter Nicholas Madamas, passed away on September 29, 1949, in Springfield at the age of 59, when Aphrodite was just 18 years old.
In 1949, Aphrodite graduated from the High School of Commerce, located at 415 State Street in Springfield, MA. She continued to reside in Springfield in 1950. Demonstrating an early interest in the medical field, she pursued further education at the Wesson Memorial Hospital School of X-ray Technology, from which she graduated in June 1953. The Wesson Memorial Hospital, established in 1900 by Daniel B. Wesson (co-founder of Smith & Wesson), has a rich history in Springfield and later merged to form Baystate Medical Center. Following her graduation, Aphrodite began her career as an X-ray technician at Wesson Memorial Hospital in July 1953.
On September 9, 1956, at the age of 25, Aphrodite exchanged marriage vows with James P. Barbalias, son of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Barbalias of College St. The ceremony took place at St. George's Greek Orthodox Memorial Church, located at 22 St George Rd, Springfield, MA. The service was officiated by Rev. Joseph Xanthopoulas, pastor of the church, Rt. Rev. P. Ahlathas of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Holyoke, and Rev. Peter Katopies Constantine and Helen Church, Chicopee Falls.
The church was beautifully decorated with white gladioli, white pompons, chrysanthemums, and dahlias, with palms and southern smilax banking the altar. Pews were adorned with white gladioli, southern smilax, white pompons, and satin ribbons. Music for the ceremony was provided by Mrs. Dimetrius Kallipalites, who served as both organist and soloist.
Aphrodite was given in marriage by her brother, Charles P. Madamas. Her elegant wedding gown was crafted from Italian Duponi silk, featuring a neckline adorned with Alencon lace, seed pearls, and sequins. It had a fitted bodice, long sleeves, and a full skirt appliqued with lace motifs, culminating in a cathedral train. Her illusion veil was caught to a crown of seed pearls and rhinestones, and she carried a crescent arrangement of stephanotis, ivy, and white orchids. A reception followed the ceremony at the Sheraton-Kimball Hotel. After October 1, 1956, the couple established their home at 229 College St.
Aphrodite and James started their family in the following years. Their son, Peter J Barbalias, was born in September 1958 in Longmeadow, Massachusetts. Their first daughter, Maria A, was born on November 11, 1962, followed by their second daughter, Gina A, born on November 22, 1967.
Aphrodite lived in Springfield or Longmeadow her entire life.
Aphrodite's beloved husband, James Peter Barbalias, passed away on September 7, 2023, at the age of 89, after 66 years of marriage.
Aphrodite (Affy) Madamas herself passed away on July 11, 2025, in Springfield, Massachusetts, at the age of 94.