Mattina Alexakis

Mattina Alexakis passed away peacefully on Friday, December 1, 2017 in Sherman Oaks, California. She had just turned 83. She was a kind, soft hearted woman of great strength. Her laugh was infectious and brought a smile to those around her.

She is survived by her many nieces and nephews as well as their children throughout the United States. She was predeceased by her parents Nicholas and Theodora Canelake; her husband Jim Alexakis; beloved son George Alexakis and her sisters Artemis Karos and Cresula Phillips.

Mattina was born in Hibbing, Minnesota where she grew up in a simple and loving family. She worked alongside her parents and sisters at the family’s Cafe. Being the youngest of the three sisters she started helping at an early age. Mattina graduated from Hibbing High School and headed off to the University of Minnesota to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher.

Once she graduated, she and her sister Cresula began an adventurous journey cross country to move to Southern California. This decision changed her life! She got a job teaching kindergarten and loved it. She joined the Greek GOYA where she met many new friends, including her future husband Jim Alexakis. They married shortly after in Long Beach, California. She was a beloved wife and mother to her only son, George.

She continued teaching for many years making a huge impact on programs such as First Start and No Child Left Behind. She kept busy with George and his many activities as well as staying active in the Greek community. She loved working at Saint Katherine’s Greek Orthodox Church running festivals, baking for multiple fundraising activities and compiling the weekly pamphlets. She was a key member of the Women’s Philoptikos Group.

She was a giving person and touched many lives with her smile and kindness. We will forever celebrate her life here on earth as we rejoice the gates of heaven opening to welcome her.

Services will be held at St. Katherine’s Greek Orthodox Church, 722 Knob Hill Avenue in Redondo Beach on Thursday, December 7, 2017. Viewing will begin at 10:00 am with funeral services starting at 11:00. A brief luncheon at the church will follow, along with burial services at Green Hills Memorial Park, 27501 S Western Avenue, Rancho Palos Verdes, California.

Mattina will be missed by all and forever will be remembered.