Published in the November 24, 2017 edition
MELROSE — Janie Lilas (Sentner) Cokkinos, 86, a resident of Melrose and formerly of Medford, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 13, 2017.
Janie, known to family and friends as Lilas, was born in Melrose on December 10, 1930. Raised in Melrose, she was one of seven children of the late William C. and Sadie Hazel (MacWilliams) Sentner. She graduated from Melrose High School, was married to the late Charles G. Cokkinos, and together they lived in Medford for nearly 50 years.
Shortly after their marriage Lilas and Charlie opened a candy shop specializing in fudge and chocolates. Charlie and Lilas operated “Palace of Sweets” in Malden for several years, before relocating to Waltham as “Dandy Dutch Candies.” Charlie and Lilas, who made the fudge with real butter from scratch, were in high demand during holidays for their well known fudge. After perfecting the making of fudge, they moved the business to Medford and focused specifically on their wholesale business. Lilas then started a second career as a telephone operator at the Wakefield branch for Shawmut Bank. She then was promoted to the main office in Boston in wire transfers.
Sociable, and friendly, Lilas was happiest being around people and supporting others. If there was a party to attend, Lilas was there, dressed perfectly and ready to go. She loved any get-togethers with family, especially being around family for holidays or trips to Lake Winnipesaukee with her family. With a love for laughter, Lilas was always ready for fun, hopefully with a wine cooler in hand.
Lilas was an active and faithful member of Annunciation of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church in Woburn. She was a regular attendee at charitable events, fundraisers, or holiday parties always to support the church. She centered her social life around the life of the church, and enjoyed the many church friendships and events over the years.
A good friend, and supportive family member, Lilas was always willing to help. She will be lovingly remembered for her warmth, sincerity, and genuine care for others. She will be missed but always remembered.
Lilas was the beloved wife of the late Charles G. Cokkinos with whom she shared 50 years of marriage. Dear sister of Ethel S. Polley and her late husband Phillip of Haverhill, Vivian P. Craig and her husband Thomas of Wilmington, Cynthia A. Way and her husband Jerry of Mt. Airy, Maryland, and the late Helen M. Canning and her late husband Ralph, her late brother Lester G. Sentner and his late wife Virginia, and her late brother David W. Sentner. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor of Lilas during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Friday, Nov. 17, and again on Saturday morning before leaving in procession to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, Greek Orthodox Church, 70 Montvale Ave., Woburn for her funeral service, followed by interment at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford. Gifts in memory of Lilas may be made to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, Greek Orthodox Church, 70 Montvale Ave., Woburn, MA 01801. For directions, online tribute or to share a memory, visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
