Teresa Marie Lelekis

Teresa Marie Lelekis, of Tarpon Springs, Florida, entered eternal rest on September 19, 2023, at the age of 93. Born on June 25, 1930, in Sacramento, California, to the late Henry and Mary Velleca, Teresa enjoyed the most memorable years of her childhood on her family’s homestead in Stafford, Virginia. The family then moved to Houston, Texas where Teresa graduated from San Jacinto High School before moving to Clearwater, Florida, where she met her beloved husband, Michael (Mike) Lelekis.

Teresa worked for many years in administration at Tarpon Springs High School before retiring in 1995. Soon after retiring, Teresa became a volunteer for the Neighborly Care Network where she participated in the Meals on Wheels program, helping to deliver meals to senior citizens locally.

Teresa was an incredibly proud and devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, Yiayia, and Gigi. It was family who meant most to her, but it was also Teresa who meant most to her family. Her most joyous times were spent celebrating special moments in her family’s lives, as well as being in the kitchen cooking for all who would walk through her door. She was a kind, caring, and selfless individual, always putting others before herself. Teresa will be deeply missed by family, friends, and all who knew her.  

Teresa leaves to cherish her memory her three children, Paul Lelekis, Jon Lelekis (Lisa), and Rina Henderson (Sam); five grandchildren, Alexandra Chiklakis (Jason), Emily Royce (Cody), Samantha Henderson, Michael Lelekis, and Sofia Lelekis; and five great-grandchildren, Charles and George Chiklakis, and Anderson, Lainey, and Thomas Royce, III. She is predeceased by her husband, Michael, and her siblings, Gina Handley, Betty Velleca, Bernice Kratzer, Melissa Andrus, and Wallace Velleca.   

Visitation will be held on Monday, September 25, at 10 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m., both at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Tarpon Springs. Burial is to follow at Cycadia Cemetery. Traditional Makaria services and meals will then be provided in Teresa’s honor at the Epiphany City AHEPA Chapter 16 home located at 20 West Tarpon Avenue. Arrangements entrusted to: Vinson Funeral Home in Tarpon Springs, Florida.  

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