Margaret Elenis Siklas, a 34-year-old entrepreneur and devoted mother of two from Franklin Square, New York, passed away on Tuesday in a Manhattan hospital after a brave battle with breast cancer. Siklas, known for her unwavering spirit, founded two wellness centers and play areas for young children in Nassau County, even while facing her diagnosis. Her journey inspired many, and she became an influential figure on social media, documenting her medical experiences and fundraising for others facing similar challenges.
Elenis Siklas, a former special education teacher and dean, leaves behind a legacy of resilience and community support. her determination to live life to the fullest, even in the face of adversity, touched countless lives. A memorial service was held on Friday at the Transfiguration of Christ Greek Orthodox church in Corona, Queens, celebrating her life and impact.
A Life Rooted in Queens
Margaret Elenis was born and raised in Glen Oaks, Queens. She was the middle child of Antonios Elenis, 62, and Elisabeth Elenis, 61, who together ran a family-owned plumbing business. Her upbringing instilled in her a strong work ethic and a deep sense of family.
After graduating from francis Lewis High School in Fresh Meadows, Elenis Siklas attended baruch College for two years, where she showcased her athletic abilities on the school’s basketball team. She then transferred to Queens College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in special education, setting the stage for her career in education and her later entrepreneurial ventures.
For seven years, she dedicated herself to william Cullen Bryant High School in Astoria, where she served as both a special education teacher and a dean, shaping the lives of countless students.
In 2014, Margaret Elenis married Vasili Siklas. Together, they built a family and welcomed two sons, Konstantino, now 9, and Alexandro, 4.
Facing Adversity with Entrepreneurial Spirit
When Elenis Siklas was 28, nearly three years after the birth of Konstantino, she received a diagnosis of stage-two breast cancer. Demonstrating her commitment to health and wellness, she adopted a healthier lifestyle, including dietary changes and vitamin supplementation. Remarkably, her sister reported that the cancer went into remission without chemotherapy or radiation.
This experience profoundly impacted her and inspired her to create a space where healthy living was accessible to children. she noticed a gap in the market: a lack of healthy options at indoor play areas.This realization sparked the idea for Oh My Goodness Kids.
In 2020, she and her sister opened Oh My Goodness Kids in Garden city. In a 2023 interview with Newsday, Elenis Siklas described it as a sanctuary where everything is healthy for kids … a safe space here we could promote a better lifestyle.
A second Pregnancy and Renewed Challenges
Elenis Siklas became pregnant with her second child in 2020, but the cancer returned aggressively, leading to meaningful complications.Doctors delivered Alexandro prematurely at 30 weeks. Elenis Siklas told Newsday that Alexandro was delivered early because I wasn’t going to make it, and she spent a month going back and forth from the treatment center to the NICU.
At the time of Alexandro’s birth, Elenis Siklas had already been diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, according to her sister. Despite this daunting challenge, she remained resolute to expand her business and impact the community.
Even while battling cancer, Elenis Siklas opened a second Oh My Goodness Kids location in Port Washington. She expanded the offerings to include drop-off programs, and also cooking and yoga classes for older children, further solidifying her commitment to holistic wellness.
Elenis Siklas’s perspective on her diagnosis was one of empowerment and purpose. yes, there’s a negative to getting cancer, but this is my opportunity, she told Newsday. I chose to pursue a path where I know I’m doing something for the future.
Ball4Life: A Legacy of Giving Back
Even as her health deteriorated, Elenis Siklas continued to focus on helping others. Last April, she established Ball4Life, a basketball fundraiser dedicated to supporting women and mothers battling breast cancer. The organization’s second annual event is scheduled for next month, a testament to her enduring commitment to the cause.
Irene Candela,38,of Port Washington,Elenis Siklas’ cousin,described her as a force. She had an unbreakable spirit and never took no for an answer. Candela added, A lot of people always talk about what they want to do or what they wish would happen. But she made anything happen that she wanted to happen … She never wanted help or to accept anything from anyone. She wanted to help everyone else.
News of Elenis Siklas’ passing spread quickly on social media, prompting an outpouring of tributes from friends and customers on Oh My Goodness kids’ Instagram page. Many described her as an inspiration and a warrior who consistently uplifted the community’s spirits.
A Lasting Impact
Margaret Elenis Siklas is survived by her husband, Vasili; her two children, Konstantino and Alexandro; her sister, Katerina Elenis, 32, of Bayside, Queens; her parents, Antonios and Elisabeth Elenis; and her brother, Emmanuel Elenis, 37, of Malverne, as well as several in-laws. Her legacy will live on through her family, her businesses, and the countless lives she touched.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Ball4Life, located at 25-18 50th St. in Woodside, continuing her mission to support those affected by breast cancer.
