Eleni Sogas Zecy

Eleni June Sogas Zecy fell asleep in the Lord on December 8th, 2020, 95 fruitful years after her birth on June 12th, 1925, in Kansas City, Missouri. To know her was to love her. For those that did, she represented the legacy of her parents, Nikolaos and Calliope Sogas, who immigrated to the US in the early 20th century from the scenic mountain village of Vavouri in Northern Greece. Known for their benevolence, the Sogas family quickly embraced new immigrant families with a warm, selfless zeal, so that they might reciprocate unto others the same hospitality that they received from the Greek American community in Kansas City upon arrival. This was the way Eleni was raised, and it was precisely this deep sense of loving that which is honorable – or “philotimo” in the Greek language – that she expressed and championed in every aspect of her life.

Alongside her younger sister, Demitra, Eleni grew into a talented, beautiful young woman that was the model daughter of any immigrant family. She studied at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, to which her father would personally drive her every week, so that she could attend classes. On June 12, 1949, Eleni married the love of her life, Theodore “Ted” Zecy, who was a decorated WWII veteran. They met at a church picnic while he was in town from Massachusetts visiting relatives. The two settled just off Michigan St., a short walk down from Eleni’s parents. While Ted worked tirelessly for Mr. Sogas and, after, on his own ventures, Eleni singlehandedly ran the household, so that the two could raise their three very active sons. For the duration of his life, Ted proudly attributed every success to his beloved wife, without whom it would not have been possible to accomplish his entrepreneurial feats.

All the while, Eleni helped to comprise the heart of Kansas City’s Greek American community, continuing and advancing the wonderfully rich traditions that she and her closest friends inherited from their ancestors. She dedicated herself to the poor in the Ladies Philoptochos Society, enriched liturgical services with her ever-sweet voice in the Church choir, and volunteered countless hours to cook for the Greek food festival. The regularly scheduled bridge club Eleni belonged to was the stuff of legend as well, with each member willing to do anything for the other at a moment’s notice. Of course, over the years, Eleni was best remembered for her gracious smile, which invariably left an indelible mark on the heart of anyone she came in contact with, especially her family.

Above all, what Eleni loved the most in this world was her grandchildren, all of whom she treated as if they were her first. She had an incredible ability to give the perfect gift, carefully selecting emblems of Hellenism and other family heirlooms in accordance with each grandchild’s unique personality. Every token of her love was accompanied by a hand-written note to explain its significance. In other words, Eleni was dedicated to wrapping up her grandchildren in the faith, culture and values that they all shared. This is why the smell of sweet holiday bread will forever remind her family of the warmth of her house, which was the natural meeting point for anything worth celebrating.

Eleni is survived by her three sons and their wives, Harry and Wendy, Nick and Patty, and Mark and Karen; her two nieces, Linda Toben and Kelly Simari; as well as her nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, it is kindly requested that donations be made to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Kansas City, Missouri, specifically for the financial support of the choir.

Services will be held Tuesday, December 15 at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 12001 Wornall Rd., Kansas City, Missouri. Visitation at 9:30am, Trisagion at 10:00am and Funeral Service at 10:30am. Interment at Forest Hill & Calvary Cemetery, 6901 Troost Ave., Kansas City, Missouri immediately following services.

May the Lord grant Eleni eternal rest and place her soul in the dwelling place of the righteous, where there is no pain, no sorrow, no suffering, but life everlasting.