KATHRYN (PENNY) VLAHAKIS CHERPES
Age 81, peacefully on Monday, December 21, 2020, surrounded at home by her loving family.
Penny is the loving wife of Louis T. Cherpes for 62 years; beloved mother of the late
Georgeanne Cherpes (Alex) Cominos, Tina L. Cherpes, Dr. Thomas L. Cherpes, Dr. Gregory L. Cherpes, Christy Cherpes(George) Spanos, Esq., Dr. Jennifer Cherpes (Matthew) Blake.
Grandmother (YiaYia) to Benjamin A. Cominos, Eli A. Cominos, Katerina S. Spanos, Christina M. Blake,
Michael M. Blake, Alyssa M. Blake, and Anthony M. Blake.
Born in Ambridge, PA to Greek immigrant parents, George and Antonia Vlahakis, Penny embraced Greek
traditions and was a proud lifelong member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Pittsburgh. Penny
excelled in school. Among her many awards, she received the Buhl Foundation Award and the American
Legion Award. She graduated from Oliver High School in 1956 with high honors at the age of 17 and
earned a full academic scholarship to Chatham College. While at Chatham, Penny made lifelong friends
with the “Rabble Rousers” before deciding her ultimate goals were to be a wife and mother.
Penny began married life in 1958 and gave birth to the first of six children on her 1-year wedding
anniversary. As a loving mother, Penny stressed the values of education and faith. An avid reader,
creative artist, and passionate cook, she enjoyed hosting events and loved welcoming extended family
and friends into her home. She enjoyed organizing and participating in events at her church and in the
community, including the first church fashion show, Greek festivals, YMCA Indian Guides and Indian
Princesses, and charity fundraising.
A tireless worker, she supported Lou in many of his endeavors, including helping to grade papers, record
keeping, and editing a national Fraternal newsletter.
Her sense of humor, sense of style, and fiery spirit will be deeply missed.
A viewing will be held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church at 985 Providence Boulevard, Pittsburgh 15237, at 10 AM on Thursday, December 24th, followed immediately by the funeral service at 11 AM.
The Service will be viewable via live stream at www.holytrinitypgh.org
At 11 AM, from the church’s homepage, select Multimedia, then select Live Broadcast. Necessary pandemic-related procedures will be followed at the viewing and service. Face masks and physical distancing are required. Burial will follow at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cemetery Memorial Garden.
Arrangements by Stephen M. Brady Funeral Home
412-321-0495