Lela

Tsiknopoulos

Lela Tsiknopoulos, 82, of Haverhill, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at home on November 10, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Athens, Greece, on June 16, 1944, she was the daughter of the late Lambros and Garyfalia [Peretis] Georgakopoulos. After earning her degree in political science from Panteion University in Athens, Lela moved to the United States with her beloved husband, Emmanuel Tsiknopoulos. Together, they made their home in Haverhill, where they proudly raised their two cherished daughters, Helen and Garyfalia.

An avid reader, Lela carried a love of learning throughout her life. Every evening, she put her knowledge to the test with Jeopardy where she could often be heard calling out the right answer long before the contestants had a chance. She also treasured her summers in Greece, where she looked forward to her daily ritual of morning and afternoon swims and precious time spent with family and dear friends.

Lela will be remembered as a lifelong advocate for literacy and education, having served as a substitute teacher in the Haverhill Public Schools for more than 30 years. Proud of her Greek heritage, she also shared her language and culture with younger generations as a Greek school teacher at her parish, Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church. Her love of learning and her steadfast encouragement to reach one’s full potential will remain a source of inspiration to all who knew and loved her.

She leaves behind her devoted husband of 57 years, Emmanuel; her daughter Helen and her husband, Konstantinos Mougios, of Athens, Greece; her daughter Garyfalia and her husband, Spiro Filiogiannis, of Haverhill; her sister, Katerina, and her husband, Yiannis Kamar, of Athens, Greece; her grandchildren, Aspasia and Petros Filiogiannis and Angeliki and Emmanuel Mougios; her great-grandchildren, Gage, Ezra, and Ioannis;

Lela also leaves her nephews, Lambros, Demetrios, and Anastasios, who held a very special place in her heart, along with many more beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents; her sister, Georgia; her brother, Anastasios;

Family and friends are invited to attend her funeral service on Monday, November 16, 2026 at 10:30am at Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church, 156 Winter Street, Haverhill, MA 01830. Interment will follow at Linwood Cemetery in Haverhill, MA. 

Those wishing to honor Lela’s memory may make a memorial contribution to the Greek School at Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church, 156 Winter Street, Haverhill, MA 01830.