Smaro (Chaivarlis) Karahalios, 88, of Indiana, Pennsylvania, passed away on Thursday, October 29, 2026. Born September 25, 1938, in Argos, Greece, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Elaine (Bobos) Chaivarlis.
Smaro’s life was one of hard work, determination, family, and love. Her journey began in Greece, where she grew up before eventually making her way to Toronto, Canada. She spent six years there, working as a seamstress at Eaton’s, where she made clothing patterns. Her talent for sewing was something that came naturally to her, and she carried that gift throughout her life.
Smaro later married the love of her life, Tomes V. Karahalios. Together, they shared 65 years of marriage and built a beautiful life and family. Their son, William, was born in Toronto, and their daughter, Kristina, completed their family. Together, Smaro and Tomes created a life centered around family, hard work, and the traditions they carried with them from Greece.
In 1970, Smaro and Tomes opened Tom’s Pizza Palace at 569 Philadelphia Street in Indiana, Pennsylvania. What began as a family business became so much more than a restaurant. It became a part of their lives and the lives of their children, a place where family worked side by side, countless memories were made, and generations of customers became friends.
In 1986, tragedy struck when a fire destroyed both their home above the restaurant and the business itself. But Smaro and Tomes were not people who gave up easily. With determination and the support of their family, they rebuilt and reopened at 11 South 7th Street, where Tom’s Pizza Restaurant remains today. Their perseverance and dedication helped create a legacy that has remained part of the Indiana community for decades.
Smaro was an amazing cook, a talented seamstress, and a woman who expressed her love through the things she did for the people around her. She was hardworking, strong-willed, generous, and fiercely devoted to her family. She had a wonderful sense of humor, a quick wit, and a personality that was unmistakably her own. She could make you laugh, tell you exactly what she thought, and leave you with a memory you wouldn’t forget.
Above all, her family was her world. Smaro loved her home, surrounded by the familiar things and memories that made it special to her. Even as dementia gradually changed parts of her world, one thing remained constant: her love and connection with her daughter. She always remembered Kristina, and one of her greatest joys was having her close. Whenever Kristina came home, Smaro would greet her with the warmth, hugs, and kisses that were so uniquely hers. Their bond was something dementia could never take away. She remained in her home, where she was happiest, surrounded by love until the very end.
Her strength, traditions, recipes, talents, and the life she built with her husband will continue to live on through the people she loved.
Smaro was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Tomes V. Karahalios, who passed away August 24, 2018; her son, William A. Karahalios, who passed away November 1, 2019; her parents, Thomas and Elaine (Bobos) Chaivarlis; and her siblings, Peter Chaivarlis and Angela Pitsounis.
She is survived by her loving daughter, Kristina Karahalios of Indiana; her brother, Jimmy Chaivarlis of Las Vegas, Nevada; and her sister, Maria Boudouris of Greece. She is also survived by her beloved nieces and nephews, Athanasia Pitsounis, Vasili Pitsounis, Elaine Stewart, Elaine Chaivarlis, and Nicholas Chaivarlis, along with extended family and dear friends who will cherish her memory.
Smaro’s life was built on love, family, hard work, and perseverance. The legacy she and Tomes created will continue through their family and the generations of people who have been part of their story.
Her hugs and kisses may be gone, but her love will remain forever. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.
Friends will be received Tuesday evening, November 3, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Rairigh-Bence Funeral Home & Crematory in Indiana. Her funeral service will be held Wednesday, November 4, at noon at the Dormition of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church in Oakmont, Pennsylvania, with Rev. Father Michael A. Gavrilos officiating. Interment will follow at Oakland Cemetery in Indiana, Pennsylvania.
Memorial contributions may be made to 365 Hospice, 115 S. Main St., Carrolltown, PA 15722.
Online condolences may be made at rbfh.net.
