Tess Elias Tenekedes

A native of Pittsburgh, Tess was born November 17, 1926, at Homestead Hospital, to Greek immigrant parents, Thomas and Maria (nee Tsaliki) Elias.

A depression era American, Tess grew up in the steel town of Homestead, where she graduated from Homestead H.S. in 1944. After graduation she was immediately employed by a company contracted to make supplies for the war effort, while awaiting the return of her future husband, who was fighting in the Pacific. In August of 1946, Tess married her beloved Nicholas Tenekedes, with whom she shared 69 years of marriage until his death in 2015.

A Navy wife, Tess accompanied Nick on numerous tours of duty over 29 years of service. After the Navy, they settled in Orlando, Florida where they built a life among cherished friends and family, centered and sustained by her devout Greek Orthodox faith.

Always a loving wife and Mother, Tess rejoined the workforce after her children got older. Among her various jobs, she worked cosmetics at Snellenberg’s Dept. Store, Amprex Corp., AAA AutoClub, and a long-time teaching assistant at Shenandoah Elementary School, in Orlando.

Tess is survived by her two children Maria Eleni (Tenekedes) Courey (Rev.Fr. Michael), Andrew Nicholas (Becky) Tenekedes; six grandchildren Meschelle (Mike) Courey, Nicholas (Marissa) Tenekedes, Sophia (Janis) Savvas, Christian (Diana) Tenekedes, Gabriel (Thania) Courey, and Stephanos Courey. Tess was also blessed to enjoy six great-grandchildren Anastasia, Nicholas, Georgios, Leona, Eleni, and Kirra.

Tess thoroughly enjoyed an extended family of nieces, nephews, and godchildren who brought so much joy, love and pleasure throughout her life. She was full of energy, compassion, enthusiasm, and was a fierce defender and advocate for her family and friends. She lived the long life that was denied to so many of her family and friends. Tess was a dignified, elegant, humble, and thoughtful woman, with an infectious laugh, who will be missed, but not forgotten by those of us who are left behind to mourn her passing.

May her beautiful memory be eternal.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to:

Philoptochos at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Maitland, FL

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawnfuneralhomegotha.com for the Tenekedes family.

Reception will be held at the Tess (Despina) Elias Tenekedes' residence:

2118 Geigal Ct.

Orlando, Florida 32806