Kanella Varveris

Kanella Stanos Varveris, 90, passed away peacefully on December 4, 2017 at her home in Albany, Georgia. Kanella leaves behind her son Atty. Nicholas M. (Dr. Maria Y.) Varveris, of Columbus, Ohio, son Dr. Michael P. Varveris, of Naples, Florida, daughter Frances I. (Dr. Andrew) Michas of Leesburg, Georgia and grandchildren Ariana, Alexandra, Alexandria, Michael, Efrosini and Anastasia as well as numerous nephews, nieces, and godchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of fifty years, Michael Nicholas Varveris, whom she married on December 12, 1964. Kanella’s children are forever grateful to Darlia Williams for the loving care she provided Kanella and Michael. Kanella was an active and dedicated parishioner of Saint John’s Greek Orthodox Church in Boardman, Ohio where, as a young adult, she served as choir director and organist for twenty years. Kanella also was a lifelong member the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, where she later served as treasurer and president. In 2005, Kanella and husband Michael were co-chairs of the 90th Anniversary commemoration of the 1915 founding of Saint John’s and the 1965 permanent building committee. Also, with her husband Michael, who passed away in 2016, Kanella helped to edit a book entitled, Remembering Arcadia, which tells the story of the immigrants from Arcadia, a province in central Greece, who came to America in the early 1900s and settled in Youngstown. Kanella was also a member of the Tripolis Chapter of the Pan-Arcadian Federation for many years. The youngest child of Greek immigrants from Arcadia, Kanella was born on September 23, 1927 to Peter and Efrosini (Eliopoulos) Stanos. Like other Americans of her generation, Kanella’s family, which included sister Irene and brothers Pardee and Steve (who preceded her in death), was devastated by the Great Depression. Additionally, Kanella’s childhood was beset by family tragedy, which included the death of her fifteen year-old sister, the death of her father, and the confinement of her mother in a tuberculosis sanitarium, all in the span of less than two years. Kanella was eternally thankful to God for her mother’s complete recovery and, together with her brothers, Kanella let no obstacle get in the way of educational and professional success. Kanella’s life was centered around her family, church, work, and school. Kanella earned the honor of graduating class salutatorian from Rayen High School in 1946. With her life story as an example, Kanella impressed upon her children that life’s greatest rewards come to those who study and work hard and make sacrifices for more important goals. Kanella worked as a manager for a local medical practice while, at the same time, beginning her accounting practice, which she maintained on a part-time basis when she was well into her eighties. Even though she had practiced accounting for nearly two decades, Kanella took on the challenge of being an accounting student at Youngstown State University in her late forties and she earned her B.S. degree in accounting in 1983. All the while, Kanella took pride in caring for her clients’ needs and being a devoted wife and mother. Kanella’s children will always remember the aroma of Greek breads and pastries that filled their home and the fresh-baked Greek cookies Kanella served her family and guests. During her later years, Kanella was a voracious reader. Those who knew of her humility, her sincerity, her abiding Christian faith, and her love and devotion to her husband and three children will always remember Kanella. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. following calling hours at 9:30 am. at Saint John’s Greek Orthodox Church in Boardman, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, contributions should be made to the Saint John’s Greek Orthodox Church Endowment Fund, 4955 Glenwood Avenue, Boardman, Ohio 44512. Zoe Se Sas (May her memory be eternal).