It is with great sadness that the family of Lefkothea “Lefki” Xanthopoulos shares the news that Lefki passed away on November 16, 2024, at the age 93. Lefki, who was also known as “Foula” to her Greek friends, lived in Holiday, Florida. She will be lovingly remembered by her son, Tommy Xanthopoulos; daughter Eva Xanthopoulos; and daughter Mary Spencer. She also leaves behind five beautiful grandchildren: Casey, Christina, George, Christos, and Deborah. Lefki was predeceased by her daughter Christine Williamson, her parents Olga and Paul Jordanopoulos, and her siblings Abraham and Mike Jordanopoulos. She is survived by her eldest sibling, Nick, and her two youngest siblings, Fotini and Napolean.

Lefki was born on March 7, 1931, in Drama, Greece. At the age of 20, she embarked on a ship to America with her three siblings, Nick, Abraham, and Mike. After landing in Hoboken, New Jersey (Ellis Island had closed), the four quickly settled in Hell’s Kitchen in New York City. They lived in an apartment on 10th Avenue and 39th Street. Lefki took care of her brothers in what was then a foreign country to them. Their uncle brought them to the United States, and Lefki was devoted to her brothers because their parents were still in Greece. The three brothers worked in restaurants, and Lefki worked in a factory; with hard work and determination, they made enough money to bring their parents and younger siblings. Two years after the Jordanopoulos family was reunited, Lefki got married.

Lefki raised her three children in Stamford, Connecticut, and moved to Pasco County in Florida in 1980. She was a dedicated mother who sacrificed herself for her family. She was also deeply dedicated to her church, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Tarpon Springs, and her religion. She never missed church until she was unable to move around on her own towards the end of her life. A member of the Hellenic Benelovent Association, Lefki was a very kind and generous person who helped other women in the community. On Wednesday nights, she joined other women at St. Michael’s Shrine in Tarpon Springs to pray.

She had a green thumb and was known for the papaya that she grew, along with grapes, eggplants, and other vegetables. Lefki also grew every flower imaginable and was known also for the dill that she cultivated, which she shared with her friends and family. Along with being devoted to her children, she also took care of her parents until they passed away. Lefki loved family gatherings and celebrations, as well as eating out. She dressed up and had her hair done (by her daughter Eva) whenever she went out. Lefki’s great pleasures were playing bingo, Greek dancing, going to the St. Nicholas’ soup kitchen, and other church functions. She loved cooking and baking when she was at home.

A viewing of our departed Lefki will be at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathdral in Tarpon Springs on Thursday, November 21, from 12–1 p.m., with the funeral following at 1 p.m. Aionia i mnimi (eternal memory). The burial will be at Cycadia Cemetery, 1021 E. Tarpon Ave., Tarpon Springs. Friends and family will gather at Mr. Souvlaki afterwards at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lefki’s memory to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral,  36 N. Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Spring, FL, 34689. Funeral arrangements were made by Dobies Funeral Home.