Lois Joanne Sakkas

Lois Joanne Oie Sakkas passed away at the age of 86 on June 3rd, 2025 in her home, lovingly surrounded by her family, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Lois was born on February 18, 1939 in Chicago, Illinois to Mildred (Bunnell) and John Oie. She grew up in Wood Dale, Illinois, the eldest sister to Alice and Kay. After graduating from Fenton High School in 1957, Lois moved to Chicago to attend Grant Hospital Nursing School where she lived, worked, and her lifelong nursing career began. It was there that she met the love of her life, Panagiotis “Taki” Sakkas. They were married on November 12, 1960 and were blessed with five beautiful children and 11 adored grandchildren.

In the summer of 1965, Lois and Taki moved to Phoenix, Arizona for Taki to complete his general practice residency. Lois supported him in opening his private medical practice, working alongside him while raising their five children. Lois resumed her nursing career at St. Joseph’s Hospital where she worked in labor and delivery until her retirement in 2003. Helping bring countless babies into the world - including eight of her own grandchildren - was one of her greatest joys.

Lois’s greatest pride and joy was her family. She found deep fulfillment in motherhood, a role she cherished above all. Her love extended to her grandchildren, for whom she created countless treasured memories. She was an exceptional cook and baker, and ensured that family dinners—especially Yiayia’s Sunday gatherings—were a beloved tradition, one that continues to be passed down through generations.

She also relished her time spent traveling with her sister Kay and brother-in-law Keith, which took them from the islands of Greece, to the fjords of Norway, to road trips across the United States. The three of them embarked on numerous adventures together and made many precious memories.

Lois was a long-time member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church and was active in the Philoptochos Chapter, serving as a board member for many years. Lois served as corresponding and recording secretary, on the Circle of Angels committee, even serving as an advisor up to her final days. Lois was a warm and welcoming presence, especially to newcomers in the church community, and kept in touch faithfully with members of her church family, especially during the isolating days of the pandemic. Lois loved baking alongside her friends & family at the church, and was an integral part of the Greek Festival baking. She loved her Orthodox faith and rarely missed services until her health made it challenging for her to physically attend.

Lois was selfless, caring, compassionate, and genuine, dedicating her life to helping others both personally and professionally. She was a beloved mother, yiayia, sister, daughter, and friend to so many. In her last days, she often said, “I always wanted to be a mom” - a wish she fulfilled with unwavering strength and love.

Lois is preceded in death by her parents Mildred and John Oie, her son John, her husband Taki, and her sister Alice.

She is survived by her children, Kalliopi (Warren) Schneider, Michael (Anita) Sakkas, Dianna Scaccia, Corinna (Sofiane) Laimeche, her grandchildren John, Peter (Abbigail), and Theodore Schneider, Jeremy (Miranda) and Joshua Sakkas, Elena and Sophia Scaccia, and Yasmine Haley, Omar, Baya, and Zakaria Laimeche, her sister Kay (Keith) Hellem and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and treasured friends.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew her and whose lives she touched.

Services will be held Friday, June 13, 2025 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral 1973 E. Maryland Ave, Phoenix AZ 85016. Visitation starts at 9:30AM followed by funeral services at 10:00AM. A makaria will immediately follow the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her name to Holy Trinity Cathedral Philoptochos St. Katherine Chapter.