Sofia Economou

Sofia (Galani) Economou, beloved mother, γιαγιά, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2026, one day shy of her 88th birthday.

Born on February 28, 1938, in Itea, Zagori, Greece, Sofia grew up surrounded by the love of her parents and her five siblings despite living through the hardships of war and political conflict. Those early years shaped her resilience, strength, and deep appreciation for family.

In 1961, Sofia bravely came to Philadelphia to begin a new life in America. At a time when women often had limited opportunities, she forged her own path with independence and determination. She first settled in Philadelphia before moving to Upper Darby, where she spent 41 happy years building a home and community.

Sofia worked for many years as a seamstress in a clothing factory, a trade that reflected both her skill and work ethic. Later, she devoted many years to caring for children at Growing Together Learning Center in Upper Darby, a role she approached with the same warmth and dedication she gave to her own family.

In 2006, she moved to Havertown to live with her son James and his family. She spent the final two years of her life in Florida with her son Peter and daughter-in-law Beth.

Sofia was full of life and deeply connected to her Greek heritage. She loved to dance, especially to the music of her native Epirus, and her favorite song was “Itia.” She was a gifted gardener who took great pride in her yard, and a talented baker known for making delicious pites, including her famous platsarina. Her kitchen table was always a place of gathering, conversation, and laughter, often accompanied by a glass of wine.

Handy and resourceful, Sofia could fix almost anything. She also took great pride in maintaining a beautiful and orderly home, a dedication that earned her a Good Samaritan Award from Upper Darby Township for helping keep her block clean.

Those who knew Sofia remember her sharp humor, wit, and deep compassion for the people she loved.

Above all else, Sofia was a devoted and loving γιαγιά. Her granddaughters were the light of her life, and she took great pride in watching them grow. She cherished every moment spent with them and delighted in sharing her traditions, stories, and unconditional love.

Although she built a life in America, Sofia remained deeply connected to Greece. She returned nearly every year to her village in Zagori, spending long summers in the family home she later renovated so that future generations could continue enjoying the place she loved so dearly. The mountains and fresh air of her homeland always brought her peace.

Since arriving in the United States, Sofia was a devoted parishioner of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Upper Darby. She volunteered for many years and especially enjoyed helping at the parish’s annual Greek Festival.

Sofia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Pericles Economou, her siblings Vasilios, Dimitrios, Antonios, Ioannis, and Maria, and her parents Vasiliki and Evangelos Galani.

She is survived by her sons, James and Peter Economou; daughters-in-law Tanya and Beth Economou; and her granddaughters, Sophia and Sarah Economou.

May her memory be eternal.

Friends and family are welcome to attend her viewing from 10am to 11am Monday, 3-9-2026, at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 229 Powell Ln, Upper Darby, Pa 19082.  Her funeral service will take place at 11am in the church.  Her interment will follow at Fernwood Cemetery.

Flowers may be sent to St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in her honor for the service on March 9, 2026. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial donations be made to St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church.

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