Cover photo for Lena Poulos's Obituary
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Lena Poulos

August 29, 1926 — July 20, 2022

Pittsburgh

Lena Poulos

Born at home in Pittsburgh, PA to Peter Fazio and Maria Mazza Fazio on August 29, 1926, Lena was one of four (4) children and the oldest girl. Lena’s life path was quickly transformed at the young age of 13, when her mother died suddenly. As the eldest daughter, she later chose to turn down an art scholarship and tend to the needs of her family. 

Lovingly, she helped her father raise her three siblings; eldest brother Armand (Grace) Fazio, Albert Fazio (Annie) and Josephine (Fred) Mancini. In addition, during WWII Lena supported the war effort by gauging bullets at an armory in Pittsburgh. 

After graduation, she worked at Fischer Scientific for several years before marrying George J. Poulos on Feb 18,1950. During her married years, prior to her husband’s passing in 1974, Lena was a partner in many of his business and real estate ventures. 

Together they had four daughters; Joan (the late John) Zacharias of Pittsburgh; Nancy (CDR Tom) Boehm of Florida, Lynn Poulos of Colorado, and baby Maria Poulos (deceased in 1955). Spending time with her seven grandchildren and eight great grands was her greatest joy; Alexia Zacharias, Lee Ann (Luke) Moffett, Socrates (Sarah) Zacharias, Jaclyn Boehm, Christopher( Julie) Boehm, Perry Gemmell, and Matthew Gemmell.  She was known for smothering her eight great “grands”, who range in age from 1-6 years of age with kisses and hugs when they would allow. In addition, she was surrounded by loving nieces and nephews.

Her love of home cooking was enjoyed by all, especially homemade tomato sauce, lasagna, baked chicken and pizzelles while her chocolate cake defied all recipes. 

As a woman who never showed her age, she was able to surprise most doctors when they asked “HOW old are you? “She retorted it was Ponds skin cream and very little sun! 

She is survived by her three daughters and her sister, Josephine Mancini of Cranberry Twp. 

Lena is revered and remembered with great love.  A selfless presence who put her family first, she always showed kindness to others.  While our hearts are heavy, how lucky we were to have her.  We can still hear the excitement in her voice when she greeted us in person or on the phone. 

Family and friends welcome Friday, July 22 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM. William Slater II Funeral Service (412-563-2800), 1650 Greentree Rd., Scott Twp. 15220 www.slaterfuneral.com

Funeral Mass at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, St. Michael Archangel Parish, 311 Washington Rd. Pittsburgh. Saturday, July 23 10:00 AM.  Private interment.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Diabetes Association of Western PA.  www.ADAWestPA.diabetes.org  or Gallagher Hospice www.gallagherhospice.com

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Lena Poulos, please visit our flower store.

Past Services

Visitation

Friday, July 22, 2022

4:00 - 7:00 pm (Eastern time)

William Slater ll Funeral Service

1650 Greentree Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15220

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Mass

Saturday, July 23, 2022

10:00 - 11:00 am (Eastern time)

St. Michael the Archangel Parish, St. Bernard Church

311 Washington Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15216

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Guestbook

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