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1926
2019
OLD ORCHARD BEACH - Virginia K. Ladakakos, 93, completed her earthly journey on July 23, 2019 in the same way she lived it, with strength. Our mother, Yia Yia, sister, and friend, thought to be quiet and demure, was a stoic workhorse, a fierce and private caretaker, and a local entrepreneur.
Although born in North Berwick on March 3, 1926, the daughter of John and Alta (LaBreck) Kelleher, the family matriarch made Old Orchard Beach her home. She married George "Butch" Ladakakos, and together they owned and operated George's Sandwich Shop in Biddeford, where she worked from 1948-1988, and often during her years in retirement.
Virginia was a member of St Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Saco, where she assisted whipping up delicious Greek pastries with her friends of the St Fortini Ladies Society. She was also a member of the Daughters of Penelope and Sorority of Lacones.
Virginia was predeceased by her husband, George; and son, Arthur; and three siblings, Fay Demers and Edward and John Kelleher.
She is survived by her four children, John G. Ladakakos and his wife, Joan, Cindy A. Carr and her husband, Tom, Helen A. Smith and her husband, Kirk, and Kirk G. Ladakakos; seven grandchildren, Vassie, George, Stacy, Jessica, Christina, Joshua, and Marissa; eight great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and a stepgranddaughter, Taylor Cluff. She is also survived by her sister, Alta "Snooks" Lamothe; and nieces and nephews.
Her talents were those of a humble woman. She kept you protected and safe, and could make you laugh or cry with just the slightest stare. She was sharp as a tack, yet tuff as nails. We will miss our rock, but the strength and lessons she modeled, we will remember forever. All our love...
Visiting hours will be from 4-7 p.m. with Trisagion Prayers at 6 p.m., Wednesday, July 24, at Cote Funeral Home Chapel in Saco. A Funeral Service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 25, at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Saco. Burial will follow in St. Demetrios Cemetery in Biddeford. To view Virginia's memorial page or leave an online condolence please visit www.cotefuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, donations in Virginia's name may be made to
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
or the
St. Demetrios Memorial Scholarship Fund
186 Bradley St.
Saco, ME 04072
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
peggy berry McGlauflin
July 18, 2023
I grew up with John and Dodo. We played all the time together and had many lunches at his moms house. She was so good to me as a child and as an as an a adult. She will be greatly missed.
Peggy McGlauflin Berry
July 26, 2019
I'll not forget how I was inspired by you Virginia & how invaluable you were in helping us through the opening of our Cafe. Your teaching us what the food business was all about proved invaluable to me & my family.
Grateful to have crossed paths with you.
Gary & Susan Leddy Wright & family
susan wright
July 25, 2019
Condolences to the family .God speed Virginia, fly with angels
Cynthia Powers
July 25, 2019
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