THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, August 27, 1996 TAG: 9608270222
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B6 EDITION: FINAL
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: 47 lines
Athena Efthemes Yeonas, the widow of Paul K. Yeonas, died Sunday, Aug. 25, 1996, in her home. Born in Wheeling, West Virginia, November 1914, she became a resident of Norfolk after her marriage to Mr. Yeonas in 1942.
She was an active and devoted member of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation, having served for many years as chairman of its cultural committee. As chairman, she organized, planned and directed exhibits, lectures and dramatic products. In addition, she was a member of its Hellenic Woman's Club for over 50 years, serving as its president from 1966-68. During her years of membership she spearheaded the national publication of its cookbook and served as chairman of its building, bazaar, scholarship and welfare committees. She was also the donor, with her husband, of annual scholarships to young members of the Greek Orthodox Church, both through the Hellenic Woman's Club and through the cathedral women's benevolent society, and the Philoptochos, of which she was a charter member.
At Old Dominion University, Mrs. Yeonas was an active promoter and patron of Greek studies programs, as well as a member of Town and Gown. Among her other civic activities were longstanding memberships in the Tidewater Area Council of Girl Scouts, the Norfolk Historical Society, The World Affairs Committee, and the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, where she was a member of the Women's Division and the annual participant in arrangements for its International Azalea Festival since 1962.
She was a founder of the International Language Bank of the American Red Cross. Also, she and her husband were benefactors of DePaul Hospital, where Mrs. Yeonas served as a volunteer for over 20 years.
She was recipient of the Brotherhood Award of the National Conference of Christians and Jews.
Survivors include her sister, Belle Efthemes Regas of Bridgeport, Ohio; and nieces, Billie Angelos of Philadelphia and Anne Dragas of Virginia Beach, in addition to many beloved nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and god-children.
A Trisagion prayer service is scheduled for 7 p.m. today in H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments, Norfolk Chapel. A funeral service will be conducted Wednesday at 11 a.m. in the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation, 7220 Granby St., after which the family will receive friends and guests at a luncheon reception in the Hellenic Center. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested, in accordance with the wishes of Mrs. Yeonas, that contributions be made to the building fund of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Virginia Beach, or to the scholarship fund of the Hellenic Woman's Club, in care of the Annunciation Cathedral, Norfolk.
KEYWORDS: DEATH OBITUARY by CNB