After a very long, happy, and healthy life, Sophia Skandale Spirakis passed away at her home in Saratoga on September 13, 2018.

Sophia's parents were Greek immigrants who came to the U.S. in the early 1900's and settled in Dawson, NM, a coal mining town owned by the Phelps Dodge Company. In the late 1940's, Sophia's father retired and she moved with her parents from Dawson to Inglewood, CA.  While in Inglewood she worked for H.J. Heinz as an administrative assistant.

In 1960, Sophia married Ernest Spirakis and moved to the SF Bay Area where she and Ernest had 3 children. She spent the next 15 years raising the children before returning to the workforce as a sales associate for Emporium Capwell.  She worked there until their closure in 1995.  In 2000, she moved with Ernest from their East Bay home to Los Gatos, then a year later to Saratoga, in order to live closer to their children and grandchildren.

Sophia was happiest surrounded by her family and close friends.  She enjoyed many summers traveling to various places in the U.S. and Europe. In her free time Sophia enjoyed playing bridge, crocheting, needlepointing, and rooting for the Oakland A's.  Over the past 20+ years, Sophia always looked forward to seeing her large extended family annually for a "Big Fat Greek Thanksgiving!" We will miss her, but she will remain in our hearts and memories forever.

Sophia was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest, in 2014, but is survived by her children and their spouses, Greg & Kerri Spirakis, Charles & Ruth Spirakis, and Murray & Sylvia Woods. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Eleni and Yianna Spirakis, and Nicholas Anastasi Woods. Sophia remained close to many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews as well.

A Trisaigion will be held Monday, September 24, 2018, at 7:00pm at Alameda Family Funeral & Cremation in Saratoga.  The funeral service will be held Tuesday, September 25, 2018, at 11:00am at the Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in San Jose.

In lieu of flowers, Sophia's family would like to honor her love of animals by requesting donations be made to the Humane Society Silicon Valley. Donations may be made online at http://www.hssv.org