On Tuesday, March 1, 2016 a truly loved member of the community passed away. Despo Morkides, commonly known as Dee to friends and family alike, was a loving mother and grandmother.
Ninety years of age, born in Bridgeport, PA, Dee was a graduate of Bridgeport High School. Dee was also a very ambitious business owner, as she was a beauty school graduate and later on ran her own beauty salon, doing what she does best, bringing the beauty out in everything around her. Widowed at a young age, Dee showed resilience and raised three children.
Dee was a much loved and highly regarded member of the Upper Darby Greek Community. She was one of the founding members of the Upper Darby chapter of the “Daughters of Penelope”. Her visions have helped the organization and many others, gain funding for many philanthropic endeavors. Her heart was always in a place where she could help as much as possible and bring a light of hope to her community and the people around her.
All of this being said, Dee could often be found doing what she loved most; being around friends and family. That didn’t only mean getting together with all of her girlfriends to go on long trips to see the country, but she was also a staple at every community event. She enjoyed attending and watching all of her grandchildren’s events and milestones, most importantly the weekly Greek Basketball league games (PGBL), where there is no contest in saying that she was and is “The winningest Yiayia in PGBL history.”
Her legacy was effortlessly built over the years, as she was a woman of true character and a golden heart. Always wanting the best for family, friends, and even strangers. She was a person to be admired by all and set the example on how to truly love and care for others. Even in the toughest of times for Dee, when asked “How are you?”, she would never respond with any other answer than, “I’m DEE-lightful!” The truth in that statement only exemplified her strength as it resonated to those around her.
Dee will always be remembered in such a light, as that light will continue to shine in the hearts of those who survived her to continue to be good people and help others as she always preached.
May she rest in peace and her memory be eternal.
Survived by: Son, Chris (Alisa) Morkides, Daughters, Jamie (Teddy) Karapanagiotides and Tina (John) Alexandrakos. Grandchildren, Evan, Louie, Kina, Elena, Maria and great-granddaughter Callista.
The viewing is set for Monday, March 7 at 11:00 am at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church at 229 Powell Lane, Upper Darby, PA 19082. The funeral service is to start at 12:00 noon. Interment at Fernwood cemetery.