SPELIAKOS, Sophia K. (Condakes), of Winthrop MA, passed away peacefully at the age of 89, on August 11, 2019, after years of battling Alzheimer’s. She was the beloved wife of the late Kosmas Speliakos of Vresthena, Sparta Greece and Winthrop. She is survived by her son Constantine, daughter in law Yula, grandchildren Sophia, Christina and Paul, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Born in Vassara, Sparta Greece, She emigrated to the United States after WW2 with her mother the late Lefkothea (Meletis) Condakes, her beloved siblings the late John Condakes, the late Polixeni (Condakes) Tsiotos and the late Peter Condakes, joining her father the late Nicholas Condakes, who had already settled in East Boston (1913) and subsequently Winthrop (1940s). A graduate of Brandeis Vocational High School in Boston in 1950; she then went on to St. Basil’s Academy Teachers College in Garrison NY. She became the Secretary of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Boston and then served as Secretary for the Diocese of Boston.
She met her love, Kosmas, while vacationing in Greece and then later married in Athens. After Kosmas resigned his commission as a Captain in the Greek Army, Sophia and he moved to Astoria, NY in 1964, and lived there for 10 years. Sophia became the Secretary for St. Demetrios Cathedral in Astoria, NY until 1973. Moving back to Winthrop in 1973, she used her degree in Teaching and was employed as a Greek School teacher for over 15 years at the Cathedral in Boston and St. George in Lynn. Sophia was also employed by Winthrop Savings Bank/Bank Boston until her retirement.
Sophia’s life was centered around her family and the church. She focused on carrying on the legacy of the Speliakos and Condakes families with the strength, sacrifice, love and perseverance.
Family and friends will honor and remember Sophia’s life by gathering for visiting hours at the Maurice W. Kirby Funeral Home 210 Winthrop St., Winthrop, on Tuesday, August 13th from 4-8pm, and again on Wednesday at 8:45am before proceeding to a Funeral Service at St. George Greek Orthodox Church 54 South Common St. in Lynn at 10am. Relatives and friends are invited. Interment will follow in the Winthrop Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the Hellenic Nursing Home 601 Sherman St. Canton, MA. 02021, or to St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Lynn MA.