Obituary of Maria Lerikos (née Valkanas)

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Maria Lerikos, born Maria Valkanas, on April 28, 1930, in Trapezonti, Greece. Maria passed away peacefully on June 8, 2026, at 5:20 a.m., at Victoria Hospital, surrounded by her family until her very last breath. Maria was predeceased by her beloved parents, Christos Valkanas and Vasiliki (Krikas) Valkanas, her brother Grigoris and his wife Fani,
and brother Ilias, as well as her beloved cat, Max.

She leaves behind the love of her life, Stelianos Lerikos, her three loving children, Andreas with his partner Donna, Panagiota, and Christos with his partner Catherine. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Dean Steven and Joanna Maria with her husband Yianni.
She will also be lovingly remembered by her large extended family and many friends.

Maria came to Canada in 1957 to live with her brother Grigori, her life would soon change through a photo sent by her father. That photo
led her to Stelianos, and it was truly love at first photo. Stelianos followed his heart to Canada to be with his beautiful Maria. They were married in 1958, beginning a devoted marriage that lasted until her passing. Together, they built a life and raised a family filled with love, strength, and devotion.

Maria was a woman of deep Greek Orthodox faith. She was kind, loving, strong willed, and truly one of the strongest women anyone could have met. She never complained about the hardships life brought her way. Instead, she carried herself with grace, courage, and quiet determination.

Those who knew Maria will remember her warmth, her beautiful smile, and the way she could bring a story to life. She was loving, funny,
sharp, full of spirit, and always had a one liner that could make everyone laugh. She had a gift for making people feel cared for, welcomed, and loved.

Above all, Maria loved her entire family. Her children and grandchildren loved her deeply and supported her through to the very end. She gave everyone strength, laughter, faith, and a lifetime of memories.

She will be missed more than words can express, and she will be remembered always in our hearts.

Visitation will be held at Logan-Evans Funeral Home, 371 Dundas Street, London, Ontario (between Waterloo & Colborne St.), on Thursday, June 11, 2026

from 7-9 p.m.

Prayers will be held in The Logan Chapel Thursday evening at 8 p.m.

Funeral service will be held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 131 Southdale Rd. W., London, Ontario on Friday, June 12, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.

Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London, Ontario.

Those who wish may make memorial donations to 

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in memory of Maria.

Online condolences can be expressed at logan-evans.ca