Elpida “Pitsa” Ioannou, a Drexel Hill resident whose family opened their home to Greek immigrants arriving in the Philadelphia area, passed away Tuesday, September 29, 2026. She was 87.
Elpida was born November 11, 1938, in Kato Poroia, Serres, Greece, to Theodore and Soultana. She learned to cook from an aunt beginning at age six. She also enjoyed gardening and tended flowers, fruit trees and other plants.
She met her husband in Thessaloniki, where they married. After the birth of their daughter, Alexandra, Elpida came to the United States with her family and her sister Maria. They arrived in Upper Darby, where her mother, Soultana, and brother, Nicholas, were already living.
The family joined St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Upper Darby, taking part in the church board, Philoptochos, choir and Youth Group. Their home also welcomed Greek families newly arrived in the area, offering them a place to stay as they settled in the United States.
Elpida is survived by her daughter Alexandra; son-in-law Anthony; grandchildren Peter and Hope; sister Maria; and niece Emelia. Her husband, Meletios, and her siblings Ourania, Nicholas, Dimitrios and Emilios passed away before her.
The viewing and funeral will be held on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 229 Powell Lane, Upper Darby.
The viewing will be held from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Fernwood Cemetery in Lansdowne.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks those wishing to make a memorial contribution to donate to St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church.