Despina "Tina" (Rougas) Leasca, of Worcester, beloved wife, and mother passed away on November 25, 2025. Her husband of 63 years Peter G. Leasca died in 2017. Tina is survived by her two sons, George P. Leasca and his wife, Martha of West Brookfield and John P. Leasca of Worcester; two daughters, Karen G. Gogos and her husband, Paris of Millbury and Joanne M. Bilzerian and her husband, Alexander of Holden; her sister, Kay Chopas of North Andover; 10 grandchildren, Christina Pare, Kayla Ramey, Peter and Stephen Gogos, Pierce, Evan and Katie Leasca, Alexander, and Peter Bilzerian and Maria Hicks; and five great grandchildren, Evan and Cole Pare, Dominic and Niko Ramsey and Ava Gogos as well several nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her two brothers, George and Peter Rougas.
She was born in Ansonia, CT, the daughter of John and Calliope (Stappas) Rougas. It was in Ansonia where her family ran a diner before they later moved to Providence, RI. She proudly finished at the top of her class in Greek School. After earning her high school diploma from the former Classical High School, she met her future husband, Peter at a Greek dance in Newport, RI. Together they built a beautiful life centered around family, love and church. The family enjoyed their heritage as members of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church and later at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral after moving to Worcester. Before moving to Worcester, the family relocated to Providence, RI, where they operated another diner/restaurant in the downtown area close to the trolley depot, helping the family establish themselves in Rhode Island.
She was a deeply loved member of the community of St Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Worcester where she had been a former member of the Ladies Philoptochos Society. Tina enjoyed travel with her family both here in the United Sates and in Europe. Tina will be remembered for her delicious Pastitsio which was always a family favorite. She took pride in her growing family, from siblings to grandchildren to great grandchildren. Her greatest joy was the time spent with family, especially grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her, and her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Her funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 2nd at 11:00 a.m. in St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 102 Russell Street. Worcester. Burial will follow in Hope Cemetery, Worcester. A visiting hour will be held on Tuesday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service in the Cathedral. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral. O'CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME is assisting the family with arrangements.