Sofia Hatzieleftheriadis Elefter (Stefanidis) – 95

Sofia Elefter passed away peacefully on August 4th. She was born on May 10, 1926, in the village of Psilirahi (Drama) Greece. She was preceded in death by her parents, Efstathios and Europe Stefanidis, her step-father Myrodis Petridis, and her husband, Konstantinos (Kosta) Hatzieleftheriadis (Elefter).

In 1944 she married her beloved Kosta in Katerini, Greece. They had three children: Eugenoula, Phillip, and Steve. Together, in Greece, the family farmed tobacco, hazelnuts, sugar beets, and wheat. A true labor of love as farming consumed their time all year long. In 1969 Sofia, Kosta, and their two sons immigrated to the United States through an invitation by Parthena and Nick Halkides. Life in the United States provided an opportunity for a better quality of life for the family and educational/career opportunities for their sons. Sofia took care of her husband at home for ten years as he battled with Alzehimer's and died in 1990. Her happiest days were spent with her grandchildren. She enjoyed crocheting tablecloths, blankets, and doilies. Baking bread, sweet bread, cakes, roast beef, stuffed green peppers, canning peppers (toursi), and cookies were the aromas that filled her home. She delighted in making visitors a good cup of coffee (percolator) or Greek coffee.

Her grandchildren called her Yiayia Sofia and many friends and relatives would greet her as Yiayia Sofia, Kyria Sofia, Thea Sofia, or Adelfi Sofia. Hugs and kisses were a must! Pontian history and stories would bring tears to her eyes. The dialects, songs, recipes, and dances always put a smile on her face.

Reading the bible every day, praying, and saying "thank you" for her blessings was engraved in her daily routine. The monthly prayer meetings between her close friends and relatives was another focus of her life.

Sofia will be missed by her brother George and his wife Theodora Stefanides (Germany); and sisters Artemis Fessatides (Thessaloniki, Greece); and Parthena Halkides (Canton, Ohio) and many nieces and nephews.

Sofia is survived by her children; daughter Eugenoula (Haralambos) Taschounides, and sons Philip (Susan) Elefter, and Steve (Toula) Elefter. Sofia cherished her grandchildren: Savva Taschounides, Constantine (Alicia) Elefter, Henry (Iman) Elefter, Kosta Elefter, and Sophia Elefter. Her great-grand-daughters Rosie and Georgia were her precious joys.

Calling hours will be Friday from 10-11 a.m. at Rossi Family Funeral Home, followed by Christian service at 11am

730 30th Street NW; Canton, Ohio 44709; 330.492.5830

Burial will be at Forest Hill Cemetery 4414 Cleveland Ave NW, Canton, OH 44709

Please check the Rossi website for more details.

Memorial Donations:

Akron/Canton Food Bank, Make a Wish Foundation, or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

https://www.akroncantonfoodbank.org/

https://www.worldwish.org/donate/

https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html

Many thanks to the wonderful care and services provided by the Cleveland Clinic Akron General staff, Direction Homes, Interim Health Care, and the staff at Hospice & Palliative Care of Visiting Nurse Services. Special thanks to our extra-special caregivers: Katina, Chriss, Rachel, and Cheryl. Thank you!