Helen G. (Giantris) Doku, 74, life-long resident of Worcester, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 24, 2013 at the Jewish Health Care Center. Her husband of 47 years, Joseph P. Doku predeceased her on December 3, 2009.
She is survived by two children, a daughter, Patricia M. Sedares and her husband, John of Paxton and a son, Father Mark J. Doku and his wife, Colleen of Leicester; four beloved granddaughters, Alexis, Hannah, Paige and Abby. She also leaves a brother, Philip D. Giantris of Southport Island, Maine. A brother, Louis Giantris predeceased her in 2003.
Born in Worcester on September 19, 1938, she was the daughter of Michael and Elefteria (Stiko) Giantris. She graduated from Commerce High School and worked her early years as a bookkeeper for the Stork Shop in Worcester. She had a long employment at Zayres Department Store where she was well known to all her customers.
She was a member of Saint Mary’s Assumption Albanian Orthodox Church and its Woman’s Guild. Mrs. Doku was an active participant in the bi-annual Church festival, where she organized and managed the ethnic store.
She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, who contributed to the care and character development of her four granddaughters, a task she did lovingly with the love of her life, Joseph.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to the 5th floor staff at the Jewish Health Care Center for the wonderful care and kindness extended to our mother.
The funeral will be held on Wednesday, August 28th from O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, with a service at 11:00 a.m. in Saint Mary’s Assumption Albanian Orthodox Church, 535 Salisbury Street. Burial will be in Hope Cemetery. Calling hours are Tuesday, August 27th from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. in the funeral home, with a Trisagion Service at 6:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to Saint Mary’s Assumption Albanian Orthodox Church or the Alzheimer’s Association of America. (www.alz.org)