July 26, 1930 – April 23, 2019
West Harwich, MA – Athena Taloumis, 88, of West Harwich, loving wife, mother, and grandmother,
passed away peacefully after a long illness on April 23, 2019, at Cape Cod Hospital, with her son,
Christopher, by her side. Her steadfast spirit is carried on by her son, daughter in law, 2 grandchildren,
and an extended family along with many fine friends.
Athena, also known to everyone as Tina, was born on July 26, 1930 to her Greek immigrant parents,
Christos and Theone Collias, in Haverhill, MA. As a young woman, she was told, with proper training,
she could have a career as an opera singer, but she took a different and desired path, and married
George Taloumis, settling down to raise two sons, Louis and Christopher. Tina owned and operated a
shop, Greek Islands in the Carriage House beside her home before retiring.
Known for her old world recipes, Tina was a fabulous cook, whose specialties always sold out at the
Greek Festival each year. She was a competitive bridge player, a bit of a card shark, and a good black
jack player when she had the opportunity. For many years, she was a soloist and choir member at St.
George Greek Orthodox Church in Centerville. She was also an active member of the Chatham Chorale,
as well as the Mid Cape Chorus, performing in concerts across the Cape in church halls and nursing
homes.
Tina was also a member of the Allen Harbor Yacht Club and enjoyed many summer gatherings with her
family and friends throughout the Cape Cod summers. A typical Leo, Tina was always beautifully
dressed and groomed. She enjoyed travel, humor, a good Manhattan, the occasional lottery ticket, and
spoiling her two grandchildren, as well as her two cats, Lovey and Dovey. Tina was an avid lover of
music, and her beautiful, soprano singing voice will be missed by all that had the pleasure of hearing her
sing.
Tina’s greatest love was her family. Greek Easter was the perfect occasion to bring them all together, to
share her Greek traditions, an amazing garlic infused lamb, her famous lemon egg soup, and red Easter
eggs. Her coveted recipes are more valuable than gold.
Tina will always be remembered for her positive outlook, her boisterous laugh, and the unlimited love
for her family. She was a beautiful person, giving, thoughtful, and strong willed.
Tina will reunite with her late husband George Taloumis, her late son, Louis Taloumis, and her late
brother Val Collias. She is survived by a family who will forever miss her: Her son Christopher Taloumis
(wife Jill, children Tess and Eli), nephews Christian Collias (children Alison and Nick), Curt Collias (wife
Maura, children Ronan and Theoni), Peter Taloumis (wife Patty, daughter Sara), John Taloumis (wife
Sandra, children Jamie, Robert, and Jessica), Dr. Louis Taloumis (wife Lori, children James and Michael),
and Jason Custodie, nieces Alexandra Collias (children Ava, William, and Kiya), and Susan Naber, along
with extended family and friends.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at 10:00 am at St. George Greek Orthodox
Church, 1130 Falmouth Rd., Centerville, MA. Burial will follow at Island Pond Cemetery, 13 Island Pond
Rd., Harwich, MA. The family will greet friends and family from 4-7 pm on April 30, 2019 at the Doane
Beal & Ames Funeral Home, 260 Route 28, West Harwich, MA.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18