Sofia (Galani) Economou, a beloved mother, γιαγιά, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2026, one day before her 88th birthday.
She was born on February 28, 1938, in Itea, Zagori, Greece. Sofia grew up with her parents and five siblings during a difficult period marked by war and political unrest. Those early years helped shape the resilience, independence, and deep devotion to family that defined her life.
In 1961, Sofia immigrated to Philadelphia to begin a new life in America. At a time when opportunities for women were often limited, she built her life with determination and quiet strength. She first settled in Philadelphia and later moved to Upper Darby, where she spent 41 years creating a home and becoming part of a close-knit community.
Sofia worked for many years as a seamstress in a clothing factory, a trade that reflected both her skill and strong work ethic. Later, she cared for children at the Growing Together Learning Center in Upper Darby, where she was known for the warmth, patience, and kindness she brought to her work.
In 2006, she moved to Havertown to live with her son James and his family. She spent the final two years of her life in Florida with her son Peter and daughter-in-law Beth.
Sofia remained deeply connected to her Greek heritage throughout her life. She loved to dance, especially to the music of Epirus, and her favorite song was “Itia.” She was an avid gardener who took great pride in her yard and a talented baker known for her homemade pites, including her beloved platsarina. Her kitchen table was always a gathering place filled with conversation, laughter, and often a glass of wine shared with family and friends.
Resourceful and practical, Sofia could fix almost anything around the house. She also took pride in keeping a beautiful and orderly home. Her care for her neighborhood earned her a Good Samaritan Award from Upper Darby Township in recognition of her efforts to help keep her block clean.
Those who knew Sofia remember her quick humor, sharp wit, and deep compassion for the people around her.
Above all, she was a devoted γιαγιά. Her granddaughters were the light of her life, and she took great joy in watching them grow. She treasured every moment with them, sharing stories, traditions, and the warmth that defined her family life.
Although she built her life in America, Sofia remained closely connected to Greece. She returned nearly every year to her village in Zagori, spending long summers in the family home she later renovated so that future generations could continue enjoying the place she loved so dearly. The mountains and fresh air of Epirus always brought her peace.
Since arriving in the United States, Sofia was a devoted parishioner of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Upper Darby. She volunteered for many years and especially enjoyed helping during the parish’s annual Greek Festival.
Sofia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Pericles Economou; her siblings Vasilios, Dimitrios, Antonios, Ioannis, and Maria; and her parents, Vasiliki and Evangelos Galani.
She is survived by her sons, James and Peter Economou; daughters-in-law Tanya and Beth Economou; and her granddaughters, Sophia and Sarah Economou.
May her memory be eternal.
Friends and family are invited to attend the viewing from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 9, 2026, at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 229 Powell Lane, Upper Darby, PA. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Interment will take place afterward at Fernwood Cemetery.
Flowers may be sent to St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church for the service. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the church.