Magda Vlahakis

Magdalene (Tzafaroglou) Vlahakis was born on February 27, 1947, in Athens, Greece. She passed away in her Northville, Michigan, home surrounded by her family early on Thursday, May 29, 2025. Magda was 78 years old and was fighting a very tough battle against bulbar neuron motor disease (a form of ALS) for two years. Magda was the beloved daughter of the late Theodore and Sofia Tzafaroglou and sister of the late Petros Tzafaroglou. She is survived by her husband, Diomidis "James" Vlahakis. She was the beloved mother of Irene (Elefterios) Kaplantzes and Steve (Pamela) Vlahakis, and the cherished Yiayia of Steven, Alexandra, and Madeline Kaplantzes.

Magda came to Detroit when she was just nine years old in 1956. She settled in Michigan, where she met and married her loving husband James and had their two children. She graduated from Southeastern High School in 1964 and then attended beauty school in Detroit. James and Magda recently celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary on May 10, 2025.

Magda was very active in the Nativity of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church and was a member of the Nativity Philoptochos. She was also a member of the New York Investment Club. Magda loved to travel with her family and friends. She especially enjoyed cruises. She also loved to go to the casino with her friends. Magda was an excellent cook and loved to spoil her grandchildren with their favorite Greek foods and desserts. Magda was loved by so many and will be eternally missed.

Magda’s family will receive visitors at the Nativity of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church (39851 Five Mile Rd, Plymouth, Michigan 48170) on Wednesday, June 4th, from 4 – 8pm, with the trisagion being held at 7pm. She will lie in state on Thursday, June 5th, from 10am until the time of service at 11am at the church. Magda will be laid to rest at the Parkview Memorial Cemetery in Livonia.

Donations can be made to the ALS of Michigan (24359 Northwestern Hwy - Suite #100, Southfield, MI 48075) or to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church using one of the links below. You may also make donations using the envelopes, which will be available at the service and visitation. If you are interested in sending flowers to the family, please contact Cardwell Florist in Livonia at (734) 427-6737.