Efthalia “Effie” (Vougidis) Lalos, 93, died Thursday, August 3rd. She was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Evangelos D. Lalos, who died in 2007. She is survived by three sons, Sotirios E. "Sam" Lalos, Christos E. Lalos and his wife, Vicki and Peter E. Lalos and his wife, Leigh all of Worcester, four grandchildren, Evan Lalos, Leah Sprague and her husband, Dane, Gregory Lalos, Joseph Lalos and his fiancé Erica Lahey, a sister Diamanto Gkanias of Athens, Greece and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a sister, Anthula Vougidis.
She was born in Geromeri Epiros, Greece, the daughter of Christoforos and Demitroula Vougidis. Effie, along with her husband and two of her three sons, immigrated to the United States in 1954. They lived in Southbridge, MA., where another son was born. They moved to Worcester in 1958. Effie and her husband were members of St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Worcester where she was active in the Ladies Philoptochos Society and the Senior Citizens Group. She worked as a seamstress at David Clark Companyand later at Westside Pizza in Worcester.
Upon retirement, Effie and her husband Evangelos enjoyed travelling and living part-time in Athens, Greece. Effie was the willing keeper of the family’s stories and the bridge between the past and present. Her stories were detailed, colorful and an intimate connection to several generations. She loved sewing, knitting and cooking for her family. She delighted in watching her grandchildren grow up and they loved to visit their Yiayia’s home. Her grandchildren were always excited to visit Yiayia because there was always a meal ready for them including her special potatoes.
Her funeral is Tuesday, August 8th with a service at 10:00 AM in St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 102 Russell Street. Burial will be in Hope Cemetery. Calling hours will be Monday, August 7th at O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, from 5:00 until 8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Ladies Philoptochos Society, c/o St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 102 Russell Street, Worcester, MA 01609.