Sofia (Moustafa) Pechilis

Sofia Pechilis, 84, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 10th surrounded by her beloved family. Sofia (known as “Yiayia” to her grandchildren) was born in Kalamata, Greece to Stavroula and Andreas Moustafa. Sofia spoke fondly of her life in Greece; sharing many stories of the emanating smells of citrus in her yard, fisherman bringing in the daily haul to market, and her beloved church across the road from her home. She was even known to disappear for hours on end as a young child, only to be found safely in this church. Faith was where she drew comfort and provided her true home.

Sofia came from a large family, being one of 10 children to Stavroula and Andreas. She is predeceased by her siblings Gregory, Angelica, Anastasios, Maria, Demetrios, Lily, and Kosta. She is survived by her sister Irene who still lives in Greece and her sister Penelope and her husband Soterios of Worcester, MA.

She was the beloved wife of Demetrios (“Jimmy”) who passed away in 1990. Sofia and Jimmy were often described as two halves of a whole; truly completing one another. They went on to have 3 children, and eventually decided to move to the United States for access to more opportunities for their children. Sofia is survived by her son George and his wife Georgia who live in Greece, her daughter Christina and her husband Charlie of Marlborough, MA, and daughter Voula and her partner Richie of Marlborough, MA.

Her other favorite role besides “miitéra” was “yiayia,” or grandmother, to her 7 grandchildren Thanos, James C., John, Helen, Sofia M., James M., and Sofia C. She loved visits from her grandchildren, celebrating “name days” with each of them, and always having a plate of food ready at the beckon, especially her melomakarona (Greek cookies) to dole out. You also could always expect three kisses on the forehead upon arrival and departure from Yiayia’s house. She deeply loved all of her grandchildren. 

We have so many fond memories and stories of our sweet Yiayia Sofia. We will miss her immensely, but know that she lives on in these stories in our hearts, the smell of the Lily of the Valley in our gardens, and in Greek cookies at Christmas time. “S'agapo poli poli poli” Yiayia...we love (and will always love) you very much. 
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Saint Nicholas Fund at Saints Anargyroi Greek Orthodox Church of Marlboro, MA.

 A funeral mass will be held on Monday at 10:30 a.m. in Saints Anargyroi Greek Orthodox Church, 9 Central  St. Marlborough.  Burial will follow in Ridgelawn Cemetery in Watertown.  Visiting hours will be held at the church on Monday morning from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. prior to the mass.

     Due to the current restrictions all visitors will be required to wear a facemask and capacity restrictions will be observed.  Visitors are asked to plan your time accordingly

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