Alexandra Sotiros Hortman

With sadness yet hope in Christ’s Resurrection, we share that Alexandra “Aleca” Sotiros Hortman, 89, passed peacefully into the Church Triumphant on October 6th, 2026 in the comfort of her home in Macon, Georgia, with her daughter Angela beside her.

Aleca was born in her family’s home on April 6th, 1937 in Athens, Greece, the eldest daughter of 5 children born to Panayiotis and Lucretia Sotiros. Aleca met her gentle and soft spoken sweetheart, Phillip Becham Hortman, on a double date with her sister Rena; the pair were going out with two handsome American Airmen stationed nearby. After a brief courtship, Aleca and Phillip married the day after Christmas, December 26th, 1960, at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Athens. With incredible courage and fortitude, at 24 years old and 8 months pregnant, Aleca boarded an Air Force plane “space available” ahead of the end of her husband’s assignment, to get settled in with his family in Dry Branch, Georgia, not knowing a soul there in advance of her move. Nine months after their wedding, their beloved daughter Angela was born, followed three and a half years later by their cherished son, Ronald. Despite the many inherent challenges for the Greek city-girl to move to rural central Georgia, she navigated the cultural differences with beautiful grace, patience, and optimism.

Aleca was one of the earliest members of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, a faithful Chanter, and a dedicated member of the Choir. She was a member of SAE (Sophia Agapi Elpis; the ladies group that preceded Philoptochos), and then a member of The Ladies Philoptochos Society (“friends of the poor”), supporting its projects and mission; she was also an Archangel Michael Award recipient. Whether it was at the Cherry Blossom Festival tent, her favorite posts at the Greek Festival in the Pastries tent or the Church Bookstore, or in the Narthex after church on a regular Sunday greeting new and familiar faces alike, she was a presence at Holy Cross that will be remembered forever.

Aleca worked at the Medical Center of Central Georgia for almost 30 years as a Medical Secretary and then as a Patient Advocate. As a truly social woman who relished good “parea” (company), she was also a member of the International Ladies Club and a long time member of the Macon Garden Club where she developed wonderful lifelong friendships.

With warmth and affection, her family and loved ones remember her pride in becoming a US Citizen, lively dinners and gatherings at the homes of church friends, her tender care of her husband Phillip throughout his many surgeries until his death in 2003, her nourishment of loved ones with homemade foods from her cozy kitchen, and the joyful glee of introducing the world to her many great-grandchildren. Aleca’s prayer for a physical Greek Orthodox Church in Macon was realized in 1976, and her love and reverence for Panagia, the Mother of God, was reflected in all that she did. She deeply treasured her family, whom she affectionately collectively called her Angels. Her family will miss the blessing of her giving heart and seemingly inexhaustible care, love, and prayers for them and her Church. She was always present and always desiring to help. An overall spirit of generosity truly defined Aleca.

Remaining to cherish Aleca’s memory are her daughter, Angela (Husband Skip) Gorman; daughter-in-law, Merri Jo Hortman; grandchildren, Amber (husband Trey) Moore, Matthew (fiancé Brittany) Hortman, Kellyn Gorman, and Kendall (fiancé Charlie) Gorman; great-grandchildren, Memphis, Ryan, Caleb, Lee, Laney, Addie, Joey, Poppy, Elcie, and a baby boy due in January. She is also survived by her brothers Fotis & family in British Columbia and Lonis & family in Athens, Greece, and several Godchildren.

Preceding Aleca in death are her husband, Phillip; son, Ronnie; parents, Panayiotis and Lucretia; brother, Harry; sister, Rena, and great-grandson, Sawyer.

A Visitation will be held Saturday, October 10th at 1pm followed by the Funeral service at 2 pm at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, 859 First Street, Macon, Georgia with Rev. Fr. Theodore Ehmer officiating. Interment will be at Macon Memorial Park Cemetery, 3969 Mercer University Drive. After her burial, all are invited to join at the Holy Cross Parish House for a Makaria (mercy meal) in her honor, hosted by Philoptochos.

Memorial donations in Aleca’s memory may be directed to Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church.

“I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing to my God as long as I exist” (Psalm 103:33). Eternal be your memory, dear sister in Christ, and may your generosity and faithfulness be exemplified in all who know you!

Please visit snowsmacon.com to express condolences or share memories. Snow's at Macon Memorial Park is honored to care for the family at their time of need.