Plan for the Future
Vasilia Thermenos nee Katsiyiorgis of Short Hills, NJ, passed away on Sunday, December 15, 2013.
Vasilia was born on the island of Chios, Greece, in the village of Parparia. Vasilia was the youngest of seven siblings born to Ioannis and Irene Katsiyiorgis on January 1, 1916. She worked with her family maintaining their farm and properties until she met and married Ioannis Thermanos, also from Chios. In 1975, Ioannis and Vasilia arrived in the US, with assistance from Ioannis’ brother, Constantinos, with high hopes, strong will, and determination to work hard and make a good life for themselves and their only child, Michael.
They made their first and only home in Short Hills, NJ, for over 38 years. Ioannis went to work with his relatives, the Thermanos Family, proprietors of the Millburn Diner for many years. Vasilia became a homemaker in Short Hills for the remainder of her life and was known for her expert craftsmanship of crochet in lace where she designed and completed masterpieces of beauty and function. She was a wonderful baker in the Greek tradition making delicious desserts, specializing in Loucoumades and Baklava for her family and friends.
She is predeceased by her parents, siblings, and husband Ioannis in 1978. Remaining is her devoted and only son, Michael Thermenos of Short Hills, NJ; her Godddaughters, Evgenia, Paraskevi, and Evangelia; and many special nieces and nephews in Chios, Greece as well as New Jersey and New York.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation for Vasilia on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 from 2-4PM and 7-9PM at the Bradley, Smith & Smith Funeral Home located at 415 Morris Avenue in Springfield, NJ. The Liturgy of Greek Orthodox Funerals will be held on Thursday, December 19, 2013 at 11:00AM at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church at 721 Rahway Avenue in Union, NJ. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Westfield, NJ. Donations in Vasilia’s memory may be made to St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church or Ss. Nicholas, Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 80 Laurel Avenue, Roseland, NJ 07068, or the Church of Pagousena.