Sylvia Hanlidis

Sylvia Hanlidis was born on July 25, 1956, in Corpus Christi, Texas. She passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026, in Lubbock, Texas, at the age of 69.

Sylvia’s life was a testament to love and cultural pride. At the tender age of 20, she met the love of her life, Petros Hanlidis, a dedicated Navy serviceman. Their romance blossomed in Corpus Christi, where they married before embracing a new life together in Greece. Sylvia wholeheartedly immersed herself in the Greek culture, learning the language and traditions that became deeply embedded in her heart. Sylvia’s kind heart and gentle spirit set her apart from others. She was a faithful servant, always seeking to lend a helping hand to those in need. In her spare time, Sylvia found peace in simple pleasures—feeding the birds, drinking coffee while listening to Greek music. Her delightful personality created an aura of warmth that drew everyone in, especially children, and her passion for teaching the younger generation how to cook traditional Greek favorites will live on in the hearts of those she inspired. In 2013, following the passing of her husband, Petros, in 2007, Sylvia made the heartfelt decision to return to the United States to be closer to her family in Corpus Christi, eventually making her way to Lubbock where she lived with her daughter, son-in-law and two grandchildren.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Melody Michalakogloy and her husband Dimos and John Hanlidis and his wife Renata, all residing in Athens, Greece, and Lina Callahan and her husband Sean of Lubbock; four grandchildren; siblings, Doris Nunez, Johnny Verduzco, Gary Verduzco and his wife Donna, and Lee Verduzco and his wife Patricia; as well as extended nieces and nephews. 

Her remains will be taken back to the country she loved and cherished, Greece. Sylvia will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her.