Obituary

Sofia (Iliopoulos) Faniko passed away peacefully on November 18, 2023, in Worcester, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Douvjan, Epirus, Albania, Sofia’s journey led her and her family across numerous cities and countries, fostering a resilient spirit. She married Arsen Faniko and together with their family, kids and grandkids would move through three countries. First, raising a young family in Tirana, Albania. In their 50s, following the fall of communism, they relocated to Eleusina, Greece. A decade later, they embarked on another move, this time to Worcester, Massachusetts in the United States, continually seeking a better life for their family.
She took pride in her family, house and especially cooking and gardening. She always welcomed her relatives on Sundays with a feast. She cared about their health and strength, and made sure they ate well. An avid gardener, she delighted in nurturing vegetables and flowers, offering guidance from her balcony even in later years with limited mobility.
A devoted mother and grandmother Sofia leaves behind her beloved children, daughter, Fillareta and her husband, Pandeli Baklla, and son, Qirjako and his wife, Loreta Faniko; her brother, Giorgo and his wife, Violeta Iliopoulos; three grandchildren, Dimitri, Sofia, and Eleni; her family, Sotir, Eleni and Violeta; and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Arsen Faniko and grandson, Arsen Faniko.
Her life was a testament to love, resilience, strength, and the beauty of family bonds.
Her funeral is Tuesday, November 21st with a service at 12:00 p.m. in St. Mary’s Albanian Orthodox Church, 535 Salisbury Street. Burial will follow in Hope Cemetery. Calling hours are Tuesday from 10:00 until the start of the service in the church. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Albanian Orthodox Church, 535 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609 or to Bet Shalom Apartments, Attention: Activity Department, 475 Chandler Street, Worcester, MA 01602.

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