Kallya was born in Lefkara, Cyprus in March 1936. She moved to London, England, with her family when she was in her teens. There she met and married her husband of 70 years, John Georgiades. During their long life together, she and John lived in England, New Guinea, Australia, Cyprus, and the U.S. states of Iowa, New Jersey, Texas, Maryland, and finally, Florida. Kallya worked for many years as an executive secretary and office manager. After she retired, she authored two novels, Hell in Paradise and The Faustian Complex.

Kallya lost her husband, John, in August 2025. She is survived by her brother, Kirk Valanis, her nieces, Christina Weis and Catherine Holtkamp, and her nephew, Paul Valanis. A memorial service for Kallya will be held at 10:30 on June 5, 2026 at Saint Catherine's Greek Orthodox Church, 5965 North Wickham Road, Melbourne, Florida 32940.