Canella (Alexander) Lalikos of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania passed away peacefully on September 15, 2020. She was born on October 16, 1929, on the North Side of Pittsburgh. Canella was the backbone of her family. She was a hardworking, faithful and determined person who always put her family first. Whether serving as a room mother in her daughters’ school or being a Girl Scout Leader, Canella was an active role model for her children. Behind every great man, is a strong woman. Canella was that person. She spent years supporting and working for her late husband George in his accounting practice and many years lovingly tending to him as his primary caretaker. Canella was an avid reader, loved to garden and did yoga for seniors. She was spry and feisty which was evident by her cleaning the gutters of her house while on her roof until she was 80!
Canella was a devoted member of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church where she was a steward for many years. She was a Sunday School teacher, assisted with the annual church festival, and in her later years, helped in the assembly of the monthly church mailings. She absolutely adored her six grandchildren and even though they lived in different states, looked forward to seeing them as often as possible and loved being involved in their lives. Canella was a wonderful woman with a strong sense of character, she will be remembered for her generosity, her compassion and her love of family.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 59 years, George Lalikos. Canella was a loving mother to Maria (Charles) Patsios and Kerrie (Jeffrey) Wiese. She was the cherished Yiayia to William, Andrew and Eleni Patsios and Elizabeth, Rebecca and Rachel Wiese. She was predeceased by her loving sister, Anna Festas. She was a wonderful Aunt to Carole Labiaux, Stephanie (Edward) Kremmel, Nicholas Festas and Georgeann (Eric) Graf. Canella is also survived by four great nieces, one great nephew, two great-great nieces and four great-great nephews.
The family would like to thank all her caregivers but especially Camille “Angela” Joyce for being a compassionate and devoted caretaker to both Canella and George as she provided comfort and companionship in their final days.
A funeral service will be held at on Friday, September 18 at 11:00 am the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 985 Providence Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15237. Visitation will be prior to the service, at the church from 10:00-11:00 am. Burial will be at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made, in Canella’s memory, to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.
Arrangements by Stephen M. Brady Funeral Home Inc. (412) 321-0495