Soula Lekas 

May 1935- June 2024 

Born May 6, 1935 in Agios Ioannis Greece, Soula was the second child of Demetrios and Athanasia Skagos; and the only daughter among 6 brothers! Living a stone’s throw from the Mediterranean Sea, life was picturesque. At the same time, Soula’s life was not always easy. In addition to being the only girl in the family, she often shared memories of soldiers invading the area, limited food supplies and long harvest seasons.  While school was an option for some, her early years were spent supporting the family by cooking, cleaning and when the harvest was ready, she’d be out picking olives with the family. Of course, there were fun times swimming in the sea and chatting excitedly with the neighbours. As we know, she never outgrew her passion for chatting with the ladies.

At the age of nineteen, barefoot and glowing, Soula married a hardworking handsome boy from their village; Ted Lekas. Ted and Soula settled into the home Ted has built by himself and they began their marriage journey. Wanting to build a better life for their future family, Soula & Ted emigrated to Canada in January 1961 with the support of her brother Louis. Arriving in the dead of winter like many immigrants, with no boots or jackets, they made their way by train to North Battleford Saskatchewan. Together they worked an array of jobs as janitors, dishwashers and cooks eventually securing their own businesses alongside brothers George (Rosemarie), Louis (Adrianna), Spiro and Pericles. Whenever a better opportunity was presented, Soula supported her husband, whether this involved moving across the prairies or working longer hours in the kitchen together. Soula was known to have a strong vocal spirit, and in the kitchen Ted was passionate like no other Greek before or since; suffice to say it was not always easy but together they made a beautiful life. They enjoyed celebrating the holidays with family, the odd trip back to the homeland and in 1962, Soula welcomed her first beautiful daughter Carol followed by Nancy in 1967.

Over the years their hard work, teamwork and passion for food culminated in successful businesses in Banff and Athabasca before moving back to Edmonton to retire closer to her girls. She enjoyed travelling back home to Greece, Hawaii & Acapulco over the years but she most loved family gatherings with her children, brothers, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. 

Soula was quietly proud of the life they had built, her beautiful needle point artwork and her husband. Most of all, she was proud of her daughters and her grandchildren. While Yaya’s favourite word was ‘No’, this never applied to her grand kids. While she played tough, Theodore was often allowed to eat while sitting in the sink and she dutifully attended seven year old Hannah’s English/Math classes for hours on end.  In Yaya’s eyes, the grand children had full reign and were spoiled handsomely. From our point of view, we were proud of mom’s work ethic, residency, tenacity and ability to bring the families together by cooking food that tasted like home. Greek coffee & kourabiedes, koulourakia, thiples, chicken & spaghetti,  fakyes, lamb, Orange Money Cake, boureki and more were made with love and loved by all who attended our family gatherings. Especially boureki; since everyone heard how she was the ‘only one who could truly ‘open’ the phyllo dough’.  

Soula was blessed to live a long and healthy life and will be missed by her family and friends. She was predeceased by her parents (Demetrios and Athanasia Skagos), her brother Vasilis Skagos and her husband Ted Lekas. She will be lovingly remembered by her daughters Carol Lekas and Nancy (David) Zubot, her grandchildren Theodore (Kennedy) and Hannah Zubot and her brothers, sister-in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Soula’s favourite advice to her son-in-law, when he complained about being tired was ‘you can sleep when you die’. Soula, have a wonderful sleep. 

The family is thankful to Soula’s caregivers at the CapitalCare Lynnwood home. Their loving care and compassion provided Soula with comfort, friendship, dignity, and joy in her final days.

Prayer services will be held on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at 7:00 PM at St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church (10831 124 St., Edmonton). The funeral service will be held on Friday, June 21, 2024, at 11:00 AM, also at St. George’s. Interment to follow at Westlawn Cemetery, 16310 Stony Plain Road.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories.