Athena Vranas

Athena Vranas passed away with her family at her side on Thursday, July 13, in Lewes, DE. Athena, formerly of Leisure World in Silver Spring, MD, was born in Biddeford, ME, on June 7, 1918 to the late Nicholas and Katherine Demestihas. She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, James Peter Vranas, her 3 brothers and 2 sisters . She is survived by her children, Patricia Land-McCauley (Charles) of Ashburn, VA, Kathryn Keller (David) of Lewes, DE and Peter Vranas of Odenton, MD. She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by her 6 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Athena grew up in New Jersey, where she met the love of her life when she was only 9. Her husband, Jimmy, 12, used to pull her pigtails and throw rocks at her window to get her attention. Thus began a love affair of over 66 years. After they were married in 1942, they moved to Washington,DC and then to Maryland where they raised 3 children.

While her husband worked in the restaurant business, Athena was busy with the family, including her large, extended family. She entertained for most of the holidays, often cooking for 30-40 people. Cooking was her passion, and the friends of her children loved dropping in for her famous Greek pastries.

Athena was also very involved with the church. She baked for festivals and participated in the women’s organizations.

Through example she demonstrated the importance of family. She was the rock, always keeping in contact with her siblings, their spouses, her nieces and nephews. Her deep and abiding love for her husband, her children, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren

was second to none.

The family will receive visitors at the St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 2815 36th Street N.W. Washington, DC 20007 on Tuesday, July18 from 10am to 11am with funeral services to follow. After the interment at Fort Lincoln Cemetery.