Cynthia Vaselo Halikis

Mrs. Cynthia V. Halikis, 82, beloved wife, mother and grandmother passed away suddenly of an acute illness at Torrance Memorial Medical Center in Torrance, California on Wednesday, March 2, 2011. She was a long term resident of Palos Verdes Estates, California, where she lived and raised her family for over fifty years. The daughter of John and Polytimi Vaselo, immigrants from the Peleponesian Peninsula of Greece, she was born on August 10, 1928 in Toledo, Ohio. She was raised in Toledo with her brother Peter. She also received her Bachelor's degree in biological sciences and medical technology from the University of Toledo in 1950. While attending college, she was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority and president of the Sigma Mu Tau sorority for medical technology and biology students. She married Dr. Demetreos Halikis in the Fall of 1956. In 1958, they had their first child, Evelyn, then completing her family with the birth of her sons, Mark and David. She was a devoted, supportive wife and loving, caring mother. She was a recipient of the PTA Honorary Service Award at Malaga Cove Intermediate and Palos Verdes High Schools. She volunteered and later worked with the Headstart Program in the South Bay area. She had a profound love for her religion and church community. A devout Greek Orthodox Christian, she was a member of the Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church in Redondo Beach. She was cherished by her fellow parishioners for her loyalty, warmth, humor and dedication to the church and helping those in need. In recent years, she was very active in the philanthropic Philoptochos Society of St. Katherine. She is survived by her dear husband of 54 years, Demetreos; beloved children: daughter, Evelyn Mortland (Scott); two sons, Dr. Mark Halikis (Janice) and David Halikis (Elizabeth); treasured grandchildren, Bethany, Krysta, Elleney, Gregory, Aidan, Anastasios and Larry; her brother, Pete Vaselo; and cousins, nephews and nieces in the U.S. and Greece. Her friends and family will sorely miss her and carry cherished memories of her loving warmth and caring compassion. Remembrance of her humor will cheer us, of her devotion will guide us, and of her love will comfort us. The Trisagion memorial service will be held Sunday, March 6th at 4:00 pm at Rice Mortuary, 5310 Torrance Blvd., Torrance and the funeral service will be held Monday, March 7th at 10:00 am at St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, 722 Knob Hill, Redondo Beach. Contributions in lieu of flowers and in her honor may be made to Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church or the Saint Katherine Foundation; both at 722 Knob Hill, Redondo Beach, CA 90277. Please sign the guest book at www.dailybreeze.com/obits. Please go to the mortuary's website, www.LAfuneral.com to send the family messages, share memories, or to obtain directions to the services. Check back to view the online video.