On April 26, 2022, Areata Planakis, 72, beloved wife, mother, sister, and grandmother, passed away. She is survived by her beloved husband of 39 years, Stavros, her children, Barbara (Constantine), George (Naomi), Maria, and Georgia. She is also survived by her sisters, Marcella and Ioanna (Lazaros), and her nine beautiful grandchildren, Alexandrea, Dimos, Paraskevi, Demitra, Marisa, Carlos, Arieta, Nicholas, and Layla.
Areata was born in Philadelphia on October 19, 1949, to John and Georgia Balassis (Pitaulis). She was a loving daughter and was always known for being peaceful, kind, and loved by all who knew her. Areata (also known as Loretta, Yiayia, Thea Ret, and Thea Bebe) got along and never had a bad word to say about anybody. Over the years, she could be found with her kids, going for coffee with her husband, making pastitsio for every family get-together, or with her sister Joanie and her mom shopping the sales at Macy’s.
Areata was considered by many as their second Mom because she was so loving and treated all children as her own. Everyone close to her knew of her love of crossword puzzles and knew not to call her from 3-4 pm because General Hospital was on!
Areata will be reunited with her wonderful parents, John and Georgia, and her loving brother Peter (Marina). We find peace knowing that they are now reunited and watching over her family.
Friends and family are welcome to attend her viewing on Tuesday, May 3, 11:00 am -12:00 pm at Annunciation Elkins Park Greek Orthodox Church. The funeral service will follow at noon. She will be laid to rest at Lawnview Cemetery.