Presbytera Garnette Vasilakis

Born on August 15, 1933, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to George Theodorolakes (Lakes) and Kyriakoula (née Lekacos), Garnette was the youngest of ten children and affectionately known by her family as “Μπέμπεκα” — or “Becky,” meaning “baby.”

After graduating from Allegheny High School, Garnette pursued her calling to help others through the field of nutrition and care. She earned her degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Pratt University in Brooklyn, New York, and soon returned to her hometown to serve as a dietician at Allegheny General Hospital. Her approach to healing—grounded in compassion, faith, and genuine concern—became the foundation of how she lived and loved.

It was during these early years that she met the love of her life, Fr. Emanuel Vasilakis. They married in the early 1960s and embarked on a lifelong partnership of faith, devotion, and service to others. Together, they devoted themselves to the Greek Orthodox Church, serving communities in Martins Ferry, VA; St. Demetrios in Astoria, NY; Sts. Constantine & Helen in Nyack, NY; St. Paraskevi in Commack, NY; St. Nicholas in Ft. Pierce, FL; and finally, Holy Trinity–Holy Cross in Birmingham, AL.

As presvytera, Garnette’s gentle presence was felt in every home, kitchen, and parish hall she entered. She embodied the spirit of philotimo—a deep, selfless love for others—through her hospitality, kindness, and quiet strength. She had a gift for making everyone feel seen, cared for, and loved, often with a quick laugh, or her radiant smile. Even in difficult times, she carried a joy for life that inspired those around her.

Garnette was predeceased by her beloved husband, Fr. Emanuel Vasilakis, and by her dear siblings: Mary Diaconis (Sam), Helen Mellas (Mitso), Ann Nicholas (James), Penelope Kontis (Xanthos), Stella Kakaroumbas (George), Leonides Lakes (Anne), Peter Lakes, James Lakes, and her beloved Anthony Lakes.

She is survived by her devoted son Nicholas, as well as her cherished nieces and nephews: Elizabeth Diaconis-MacDonald (and godson Glenn) of Lloyd Harbor, NY; Barbara Nicholas of Scottsdale, AZ; Mary Vorhees (Terry) of Orange City, FL; Louann Smouse of California, MD; John Nicholas (Maria) of Phoenix, AZ; John Diaconis of White Plains, NY; and George Lakes of Los Angeles, CA; and by many grandnieces and grandnephews who adored her.

She will be remembered as a devoted wife, a loving mother, a loyal sister, and a light to all who knew her—a woman whose faith and compassion touched generations.

Funeral services will be presided over by His Eminence Metropolitan Sevastianos at Holy Trinity–Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Tuesday, October 28, at 11:00 a.m., with interment to follow at Elmwood Cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers, The family request memorials to the Hellenic Center Building Fund. Services will be live streamed.

“May her memory be eternal — Αιωνία της η μνήμη.”