Eleni (Helen) Grivas, born on July 17, 1936, passed away at home on Saturday, November 30, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

One of ten children, Eleni was born on July 17, 1936 in the mountainous region of Kerasochori Epirus, Greece. Growing up in one of the poorest areas of Greece, she endured unimaginable hardships, including war and famine. Yet, she remained undeterred in her dream of a better life.

In the 1950s, at a village celebration, Eleni met a young air force cadet, Demetrios Grivas, who would later become her husband. Love blossomed, and with her family's encouragement, she immigrated to America in 1956. Settling in Philadelphia, she worked tirelessly as a seamstress in the garment district, carving out a life filled with hope and determination.

Soon after, Demetrios joined her in America, and their love story culminated in marriage. Together, they built a life centered on family, community, and hard work. They owned and operated several pizza shops—following a tradition embraced by many of our extended relatives in the restaurant business. Later in life, Eleni pursued a career in home daycare, creating a nurturing environment for many children—including her own grandchildren. Her love and care left an indelible mark on every family she touched.

Eleni was more than a wife, mother, and entrepreneur; she was a pillar of the Greek community, contributing her boundless energy and talents in countless ways. From hand-sewing traditional Greek costumes to organizing weddings, decorating events, preparing food for festivals, and serving as a Sunday school teacher and Cub Scout den mother. She loved to sew, knit and crochet baby blankets, hats and booties which she donated to local charities. Eleni poured her heart into everything she did.

Eleni's life was rich and full. She was a proud member of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral and the Ladies Philoptochos Society. She traveled the world, devoted herself to the Greek Church, and dedicated every moment to her family and community. She was a source of strength, love, and inspiration to all who knew her. May her memory be eternal.

Eleni is predeceased by her parents Athanasios and Anastasia Bottos and 8 siblings. She is survived by her sister Kiki Gouvias and her brothers George Bottos and Philippos Bottos; her husband of 64 years Demetrios Grivas; 2 sons and their wives Christopher A. and Michelle Grivas, Dean and Alicia Grivas, and her grandchildren Gina Grivas, Christopher F. Grivas, Demitri Grivas and Athena Grivas.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, December 4 from 11:30am-12:30pm at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral located at 808 N. Broom Street, Wilmington, Delaware with funeral services immediately following at 12:30pm. Interment will follow at the Silverbrook Cemetery located at 3300 Lancaster Pike, Wilmington, Delaware.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Eleni's name to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 808 North Broom Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19806.