Marlene Efstratios

Marlene (Haddad) Efstratios, 76, died peacefully October 17, 2010 in Holy Trinity Nursing and Rehabilitation Center surrounded by her loving family.

She leaves her husband of 49 and a half years, Menelaos "Mike" Efstratios; two sons, John Stephen and his wife Anastasia of Grafton, and Alex and his wife Lisa of Agawam and their son A. J., her only grandchild, who is adored by all. She also leaves two sisters, Linda Shack and her husband Michael of Holden, and Carol Soter and her husband George of Worcester; her sister-in-law, Gail Haddad, and many nephews and nieces. Her brother, Donald Haddad predeceased her.

She was born in Worcester the daughter of Wilfred and Nellie (Corey) Haddad, and was reared on the North side - on the "tali." Marlene graduated from Commerce High School and attended Worcester Junior College. Marlene was employed for ten years by Jacob Jaffee, an accountant in downtown Worcester, before raising her beloved boys. She later worked with her husband in the food business as the proprietors of Thunderbird "T-Bird" Pizza, an institution on Worcester's Park Avenue during the 70's and 80's. As a lover of fashion and a woman of impeccable taste, she later spent many years working for designer James Hogan.

Marlene was a very active member of her church, St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, the Hellenic Arts Society, and the Ladies Philoptochos Society. Together with her husband, she sang in the cathedral choir and also worked on the Grecian Festival from its inaugural year in 1976 and every two years thereafter. She enjoyed spending winters in Florida and summers in Ogunquit; as well as her favorite island Bermuda, shopping while her husband played golf. Marlene was graceful and elegant in every way and was most happy when entertaining her family and many friends.

The funeral is Thursday, October 21st from O'CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, with a service at 11:00 AM in St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 102 Russell Street. Burial will follow in Hope Cemetery. Calling hours are Wednesday, October 20th from 5:00 until 8:00 PM in the funeral home. Flowers may be sent or contributions made to; St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral Building Fund, 102 Russell Street, Worcester, MA 01609, the Alzheimer's Association, 311 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA 02472 or the Ichabod Washburn Hospice Residence Capital Campaign, c/o Holy Trinity Hospice, 1183 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01603.

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