Vera D Nanos

Vera Nanos graced this earth for 98 years. On June 12, 2024, surrounded by many of her loved ones, she peacefully passed away in her San Diego home. Vera was a trailblazer, creatively fudging her age to join the Coast Guard—an uncommon feat in her era. She married Gus Nanos in 1949 and began her life as a mother in 1950 with the birth of her oldest son. In 1955, she remarried, adding to her family with Michael Nanos and four more beautiful children—two boys and two girls.

In 1959, Vera, Mike, and the kids moved to San Diego. Shortly after, Vera found her niche working for the UC health system, dedicating 30 years to the organization. She worked her way up from file clerk to establishing the patient advocate department. Upon retirement, her adventurous spirit led her to her favorite destination, Las Vegas, where she shared an apartment with her granddaughter Stephanie for a short time. She continued her career in healthcare at Desert Springs Hospital in medical records, living and working in Las Vegas for 10 more years. She moved back to San Diego where she shared her home with her granddaughter Lexi and her grandson Niko. The family is eternally thankful for the care Lexi provided for Vera, particularly in recent years.

Vera was preceded in death by her former husbands Gus Nanos and Mike Nanos, her father Petro Demos, her mother Evangelia Hanlon, her brothers Gus Demos and Michael Demos, her sister-in-law June Demos and her daughter-in-law Lena Nanos.

She is survived by her brother Roland Becht, her children: John Nanos, Donny (Michelle Stephen) Nanos, Michael Louis Nanos, III, Angie Nanos, and Carol Nanos; her daughter-in-law Denise Nanos; her grandchildren: Stephanie (Jack) Boyce, John Nanos II, Lexi Nanos, Christina (Jeff) Selk, Sarah (Ricardo) Romero, Sebrina (Eddie) Nanos, and Ashley (Bruce) Mason, Brian Stephen, Chris Mitchelle, Nicole Milnick; her great-grandchildren: Caleb Jackson, Niko Coyt, Carson Allen, Arrianna Evangelia, Anthony Ricardo, Sophia Ann, Amarah Alyssia, Gus Michael, and Lily Rhea; nephews Samuel Demos, Michael (Jeanne) DeMos and niece Missy DeMos; and many other family members and close friends.

Her beauty was as captivating as her spirit. She loved to dance and sing, often with opera music playing in the background. Vera was known for using Yves Rocher face creams that helped maintain her youthful looks, and she treasured her pedicure dates with her family. She smelled of Coco Chanel perfume and always dressed to the nines. A master in the kitchen, she created delicious dishes from around the world, always having dark chocolate dove bars, chocolate-covered cherries, grapes, stuffed grape leaves, and feta cheese on hand to indulge in.

Above all, her love for her family was unparalleled. She adored her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Vera cherished family gatherings, especially Greek Easter, where the family would come together at the park to eat, dance, and celebrate the resurrection of Christ.

As she embarks on her next journey, we find solace in knowing she is at peace, reunited with those who went before her. Farewell, Vera—mom, mommy, grandma, grandmacita, little grandma, yiayia. Your love, laughter, and legacy will forever remain in our hearts.

Viewing will be held July 15, 2024, from 4PM -8PM at Cypress View Mortuary – 3953 Imperial Avenue, San Diego, Ca 92113

Celebration of Life will be held on September 22, 2024, from 4PM – 6PM at Lamplighter Revival Center – 592 Broadway, El Cajon, CA 92021.

Internment at Miramar National Cemetery for family only will be held on September 23, 2024.