LOWELL - Sophie (Maniatakos) Avila, 83, a life long resident of the City of Lowell, died Sunday evening June 14, 2009 in the Westford House Nursing Care Center. She was the wife of the late Raymond Avila who predeceased her in 1967.
Born in Lowell on August 11, 1925, she was a daughter of the late John and Antonia (Petropoulakos) Maniatakos. She received her education in the Lowell school system.
Prior to her retirement Mrs. Avila had been employed for many years as a Teacher's Aid by the Lowell School Department working with special needs children at the Laura Lee School. Earlier in life she was employed by the former Lawrence Manufacturing Company.
She was a member of the Hellenic Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity in Lowell and was a member of the Lowell Senior Citizens.
Mrs. Avila cherished the time she spent in the company of her family and will be remembered for her sage advice "all you need is faith and a good attitude."
Surviving her are a daughter and son-in-law Antonia "Toni" and Peter Orlando of Lowell; two grandchildren Emily Capone and her husband Kevin of Billerica and Kerri Davey of Lowell; four great grandchildren Ryan and Hala Jallad, Kaylee Capone and Ricky Ladd; one sister Helen Mavaraides of Ipswich; and several nieces and nephews. She was also the sister of the late Effie Dabilis, Kaliope McNiff, Dorothea Maniatakos, and Stephen, George and James Maniatakos.
Friends may call at DRACUT FUNERAL HOME 2159 Lakeview Avenue, DRACUT, on Wednesday from 4 until 8PM. Her Funeral will be held from the funeral home on Thursday at 11 AM followed by her Funeral Service at 12 noon in Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Lowell. Interment in Westlawn Cemetery, Lowell. Those who wish may make memorial contributions in her name to Holy Trinity Church Lewis St., Lowell, MA 01852.