Zoe Andros Dermatas

Zoe Andros Dermatas, 89, died peacefully on December 29, 2012. Zoe was born on October 8, 1923 in the mountainous Greek village of Voutirou in the prefecture of Evrytania. She was the daughter of the late James George and Maria Zaharopoulos Andros. In 1974 Zoe was predeceased by her loving husband, Nick Spyros Dermatas. She was also predeceased by her sisters, Anastasia (Sia) Cacavias and Katherine Demopoulos, and her brothers, George and Harry Andros. After enduring the Nazi occupation of Greece and the ensuing civil war, Zoe immigrated to America in 1950 with her mother and beloved sister Sia. Upon her arrival in the U.S., Zoe came to Macon where her two brothers were working in the family business, Nu-Way Weiners. In 1951, Zoe married Nick who had immigrated to Washington, DC in 1938. Nick and John C. Cacavias, Sia's husband, later became partners in Nu-Way Weiners in 1958. In 1964, Zoe and Nick became charter members of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church. She remained a dedicated parishioner faithfully making prosphoron (altar bread) for the Divine Liturgies. In 2002, Zoe was honored by the Metropolis of Atlanta with the Archangel Michael Award for her many years of service to her church. Zoe was a founding member and the first president of the Sophia, Agape, Elpis Greek Ladies Club where she was involved in various charitable and social endeavors. She was a member of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, the Daughters of Evrytania, and the Evrytanian Association of America. She was also an avid supporter of Mount de Sales Academy, having seen two generations graduate. Zoe had a full and blessed life, enjoying her family, many friends and travels, including trips to Greece, Europe and the Holy Land. With a big smile, Yiayia Zoe was always "ready to go". Cooking was one of her greatest pleasures which she loved to share with others. Zoe was affectionately also known as "Shousha", a name coined by her oldest granddaughter, Hope. Zoe leaves behind to cherish her memory her son, Spyros N. Dermatas and his wife, Amelia (Emily) Bambalis Dermatas, of Macon, GA, her daughter, Irene Dermatas Politis and her husband, Louie P. Politis, of Charlotte, NC, and her five loving grandchildren, Nick S. Dermatas of New York, NY, Zoe Eleni Dermatas of Atlanta, GA, Hope E. Politis, Pete L. Politis and Zoe M. Politis all of Charlotte, NC. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Kassiani Andros and Bessie Andros, both of Macon, Stavroula Dermatas of Athens, Greece, and by many loving nieces and nephews. The family will receive family and friends at Hart's Mortuary, Cherry Street, on Sunday, December 30, 2012 at 5:00 PM, followed by the Orthodox Trisagion Service at 7:00 PM. The funeral will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, December 31, 2012 at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, 859 First Street, Macon, and will be officiated by the Very Reverend John W. Stefero. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery, North Gate. The family is very grateful to Zoe's caretaker, Mrs. Von Steps, and her husband, Melvin, the staff at The Oaks at Peake, and to her "sisters" and parishioners at Holy Cross for their endless love and support. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial donations may be made to Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church (ATTN: Renovation Fund), 859 First Street, Macon, GA 31201. Arrangements are in the care of Hart's Mortuary, Cherry Street. Online condolences may be made at www.hartsmort.com