LYNN — Theodora S. “Teddy” (Soundis) Yanakakis, age 84, of Lynn, died peacefully on Tuesday at her home after a brief illness. She was the wife of the late Kary A. Yanakakis. Born in Lynn, she was the daughter of the late Eleftherios and Mary (Demelis) Soundis. A lifelong Lynn resident, she attended Lynn schools and graduated from Lynn Classical High School in 1949.
Before marrying Kary, with whom she shared 62 years of marriage, Teddy worked at the Lynn Public Library and as an executive secretary at the New England Merchants Bank in Boston. A soprano in her earlier days, she studied voice, sang in choirs and performed in concerts. She was an active and dedicated member of her community, her children’s schools, as well as at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Lynn, where she served on the PTA and chaired various events. Teddy was a past President of the St. George Philoptochos Society, a philanthropic arm of the community whose efforts improve the lives of the poor, sick, elderly and under-served.
For many years she enjoyed hosting holidays and parties, as well as travel with her husband and good friends. Teddy had a warm and welcoming smile for everyone she met, and truly enjoyed helping others. She expressed her creativity through decorating, entertaining, cooking, sewing and baking, and took great joy in preparing for and spending special occasions with her family and friends. Her grandchildren, Nick, Zach and Rebecca were very precious to her and brought her much joy. She was proud of her heritage and was careful to continue the traditions of her family and faith, passing them down to her children and grandchildren.
She is survived by two sons, Paul W. Yanakakis and Constantine C. “C.C.” Yanakakis and his wife, Ada (Starbard), one daughter, Maria Weeks, as well as three grandchildren, Nicholas Yanakakis, and Zachary and Rebecca Weeks. She was the sister of the late Helen (Soundis) Kyrios and Chester Soundis.
Service information: Her funeral will be held on Monday at 9 a.m., from the SOLIMINE FUNERAL HOME, 426 Broadway (Route 129), Lynn, followed by a funeral service at 10 a.m., in St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Lynn. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Lynn. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours are Sunday from 4-8 p.m. Donations in her memory may be made to St. George Philoptochos Society, 54 S. Common St., Lynn, MA 01902. Directions and guest book at Solimine.com.