Ortha Cherpas

When her mother was pregnant with here the ninth child), the doctor warned mother and child would not survive. Her mother prayed, promising the Lord that she would baptize her child "Orthodoxia," after the Greek Orthodox religion, (They had planned to name her Andrea Nichole). The Sunday of Orthodoxy is celebrated all over the world and is one of the most important feast days of that faith. Since then, she survived an earthquake in Kalamata, Greece, while traveling with her husband in 1986.

Later in life, after being afflicted with macular degeneration she volunteered for years in a clinical experimental program, which improved her eyesight in one eye. Perhaps this is why Ortha had always been an optimist, counting her blessings and devoting herself to assisting others.

Born, April 20, 1925, in Mckeesport, PA, she moved with her family to Akron the following year. She attended Central High School, was a drum majorette, and worked part time during her study periods. After attending Hammel Business School, she was employed by the Dime and Firestone Banks in the IBM Proof Department, payroll at Mayflower Hotel, and bookkeeping at Roadway Express. She began working at fourteen years of age.

Ortha was engaged to Chris Cherpas while he was on active duty during World War II and their loyal correspondence culminated in their marriage in 1946. They were blessed with three children, Maria (Jerry) Eliason, Patricia (deceased), Dr. Chris Cherpas and grandchildren Melissa Cherpas and Madison Cherpas. Their combination of love, partnership, and sense of adventure helped them face numerous difficulties.

She exercised her wide-ranging talents in a myriad of ways over the years. An active participant in many organizations, Ortha demonstrated concern for educating and inspiring youth as an officer of the PTA CASE ELEMENTARY, LITCHFIELD JUNIOR, and FIRESTONE HIGH SCHOOL, as well as troop leader Girls Scouts and Boy Scouts: including weekend trips to the library. She especially enjoyed the many activities with her numerous nieces and nephews. She contributed a lifetime of service to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Akron. Highlights include singing in the choir, membership in the Philoptochos Melissa Society, being one of the first three women to serve on the Church Board of Trustees: serving on the Decor Committee and assisting the late Shirley Kontos, the gifted iconographer to renovate the church's liturgical art.

She was a charter member of the Akron Bar Association Auxiliary, formed in 1954, and was integral to the founding of their Women's Golf League, one of their many philanthropic projects being Meals on Wheels. She also lent her skills and talents to promote the arts by serving on the Hospitality Committee and headed several of the fundraising events for the Women's Board of the Weathervane Theater and the Annual Day at the Races sponsored by the Akron Art Museum, St. Thomas Hospital, and Akron Beacon Journal Charity Fund.

One of Ortha's many well-honed talents was photography. She attended Penland, NC, School of Photography and preserved the numerous, precious memories for herself, family members, dear friends and future generations. She was a member of the Ohio Camera Club and received an award from the Ohio Society's Photography Contest for her entry titled "Lest We Forget."

Her artistry and philanthropy also found expression in her delicious and original culinary creations. Her recipes appeared in newspapers and magazines and her foods and pastries found their way not only to families, friends, neighbors, bake sales, fund raisers, but to the military overseas. A famous Akron-born rock star loved her "koulouria." Her collection of cookie cutters numbered over one thousand. Although her passion in life was focused on providing service, artistry, education, warmth and humor to her family and community. Mrs. Cherpas eventually made time to play golf and won the grandmothers tournament at the Fairlawn Country Club. Her foursome captured the Ohio American Cancer Society's Golf State Championship Award at Firestone Country Club, she also swung her way to three National Ladies Ahepa Golf Championships in New Orleans, Chicago, and Corfu (Greece). When asked if her obituaries should include her hole in one, she replied with her usual quick wit that such tidbits are not relevant when "we all end up in a hole for one."

She was given the honor of christening the Greek Ship "ARCADIA", when her husband Chris was Supreme president of the Pan Arcadian Federation. Concerned that the bottle of champagne would not break against the ship's bow, Ortha gave it a mighty heave and we heard rumors, that she almost sunk the ship.

One of her favorite quotations was from Alexander Elliot in his book titled Greece: “We bless the dignity of being an individual person, that is to say unique.” Ortha was certainly unique and her survival against difficult odds was beneficial to all who knew her.

"l love you all differently, but completely. Be happy for me."

Ortha Cherpas is survived by her husband Chris, and two loving children, her daughter Maria (Eliason) and her son Dr. Chris Cherpas: also, two adoring grandchildren; Melissa and Madison Cherpas and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Patricia Cherpas, by her parents, James and Marika Mollis of Dolianna, Greece; brothers, George, Achilles, and sister Pauly(Anthe).

Services will be held, 11:00 AM Friday, December 22nd at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church 129 S. Union St., Akron, OH. with Fr. Jerry Hall and Fr. Andrew Lentz. Entombment at Mount Peace Cemetery. Friends may call 4:00 to 6:00 PM on Thursday, December 21st, at the Rose Hill Funeral Home, 3653 West Market St., Akron, OH, where a 5:30 PM Trisagion service will be held.

Any donations and flowers may be made in her memory as an act of kindness for someone in need.