Johanna Spanos

Johanna Spanos fell asleep with the Lord on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at the age of 90. Johanna was born on June 22, 1934, in St. Louis, Missouri to Panagiotis Samios and Triantafelia (Rose) Marcellos of proud Kytherian roots. Beloved wife of Leon for over 68 years, loving mother of Vicki Kyriakos (Nick), Tina Spanos, Pete Spanos (Kim) and John Spanos (Janelle). Cherished Yiayia of Christina, Peter (Neal) and Andrew Kyriakos, Emily and Lia Spanos, Zoe Prather, Hanna and Elise Spanos and Godmother to many. At a very early age, she helped her parents in their tiny restaurant which primarily served local workers. The 4-year-old Johanna would translate customer breakfast orders from English to Greek for her parents, and the patrons were amazed such a little girl could do this. Always a hard-working student with a perfect attendance, Johanna graduated Southwest High and went on to work a government job transcribing and doing shorthand. As a young adult in 1958, the local priest requested Johanna start teaching the newly formed Sunday School. From then on, the St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church became a conduit for the works she would contribute for the rest of her life. One of her hallmarks to the Greek community was creating and directing the Greek Cultural Camp, affectionately known as “Kyria Ioanna Camp”. For 20 years this unprecedented summertime camp brought Greek Orthodox children together to learn about their faith and culture in an engaging environment. A thousand kids learned to cook, dance, and draw in the spirit of Greek heritage. A central part of Johanna’s life was contributing selflessly to the Philoptochos Ladies Society confidential ministry. Outreach to the poor and the local immigrant communities through the society was her calling. She traveled endless miles to collect and deliver furniture, clothing, medications and food for those in need, including refugees from Eritrea, Ethiopia and Albania. Johanna organized the first Christmas experience for the newly arrived refugee families, complete with Santa Claus, gifts and games. Many times, Johanna served as Nouna to children from these various ethnic communities needing an Orthodox sponsor. Johanna was inclusive ahead of her time. She didn’t care about race, religion or gender as she embraced all humans as equals with her heart. Her selflessness was highlighted by the honors and awards she received, including St. Louis Mayor Slay’s “Good Samaritan Citation” for her help with assimilating refugees. Johanna was also given the “Hellenic Spirit Athenian Award” and named “Woman of the Year” for the St. Nicholas Philoptochos Society. The Greek Orthodox Metropolis eventually appointed her as the Philanthropy Chairperson for 3 area churches. Dear to her heart were Yiayia Johanna’s 8 grandchildren, and she made the effort to be an involved grandmother. The grandkids relished in whichever adventure Yiayia would take them on next, including outings to Grant's Farm, Science Center, The Zoo, special trips to Alaska and Hawaii, and of course Disney singalongs in the car. She loved each of them unconditionally. The family is grateful that "JoJo" was so compassionately cared for by the staff at Fairmont Senior Living. Johanna was mother to more than her family. She was devoted, generous, selfless, and lived a life serving others. May she rest in peace and may her memory be eternal. Services have been held. If desired, donations may be made in Johanna's memory to Saint Nicholas Philoptochos. https://www.sngoc.org/philoptochos. Family served by Hoffmeister Colonial Mortuary.