Chrysanthe Vaganos

Chrysanthe Vaganos     Dec 25,1930-July 31, 2024

Our dear mother passed away on July 31, 2024, at the age of 93 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Before her death, her children and grandchildren expressed their love and final goodbyes.

Chrysanthe was predeceased by her devoted husband, Anargiros. Her loving children are Dr. Nicholas (Ellena) Vaganos and Dr. Steve (Tina Maria) Vaganos. Loving grandchildren, Anthony (Erin) Vaganos, Constantine (Erica) Vaganos, Christina (Craig) Hayden, Kristen Vaganos, and Alexis Vaganos. Her precious great grand children are Iris and Mena Vaganos and Sophia and Violet Hayden.

Chrysanthe was born in Chios, Greece, December 25, 1930. Her father, Stephanos Andreadis passed during her first year of life. Growing up, she lived with her mother, Marianthe, and her uncle, George Gioulis. Life in Chios at that time was a struggle. Later, Chios was occupied by the Germans in WW2. In 1950, Anargiros Vaganos returned to Chios from America where he met Chrysanthe in the hospital, where she was being treated for appendicitis. Anargiros returned back to Chios in 1951 for his marriage to Chrysanthe where our father’s uncle and future saint, Agios Anthimos, was in attendance.

It wasn’t until they received their traveling documents in Chios that they realized their 18 year age difference. They arrived in Philadelphia in 1951. Initially, they lived in West Philadelphia and later moved to Northeast Philadelphia.  Our father was a busy restaurateur while our mother raised us.  Chrysanthe was very involved in the Greek community and her church, St. George in Philadelphia. She was an excellent seamstress and phenomenal cook – always preparing traditional Greek dishes and sweet treats. She loved listening to music, dancing, and socializing. She was a devoted mother - emphasizing education and strong understanding of Greek culture and nationality.   

Amazingly, at the age of 60, she learned how to drive a car not long before our father passed away in 1997. Following his passing, she spent her time enjoying volunteering and attending church, sharing the messages of Agios Anthimos, enjoying the salty air and her rose bushes in Brigantine, and witnessing all the joys of being a grandmother and great grandmother or Big Yiayia as we called her. 

She always had a smile on her face, truly interested in her conversations and was loved by all.

When we remember her, it will be the smile on her face, the humor in her stories, and her booming voice.  She shared her love, stories, and laughter with all and she will be dearly missed by friends and family alike.

Family and friends are invited to join us in a viewing on Friday, August 9, 2024 from 10 to 11:30 AM at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church located at 7921 Old York Rd, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania. Funeral service following immediately at 11:30 AM. Internment to follow at Lawnview Cemetery, 500 Huntingdon, Pike, Rockledge, Pennsylvania.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Annunciation church - https://www.anngoc.org

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