Olga P. Zois - Obituary

lga P. Zois June 19, 1940 - April 1, 2023 Olga P. Zois passed away peacefully on April 1, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Olga was born on June 19, 1940, to the late Konstantine and Vasiliki (Koula) Panetis in Ioannina, Greece. She grew up in her ancestral home in Ioannina as the baby of a large family and was known around town for her beautiful singing voice and her academic achievements, which led her to college and nursing school in Athens, Greece. In 1965, Olga immigrated with her parents to the United States to be closer to her brother, the late George Panetis, in New York City. There she was reintroduced to Theodore Zois, whom she had met in Greece when he was traveling the year before. After a short courtship, they fell in love and wed in New York City in June 1966. Immediately following their honeymoon, Olga and Ted moved to Falls Church, VA where Ted was employed. Together, they were blessed with two children, welcoming Mary McShea in 1967 and James T. Zois in 1970. While Northern Virginia was rural at the time they moved there compared to New York City and far from both their families who both lived in New York, Olga, and Ted joined the wonderful Greek community of St. Katherine’s Greek Orthodox Church in Falls Church, VA and made many, many lifelong friends who were like family. The biggest joy in her life was becoming “Yiayia” to four grandchildren, Mike, Katie, Teddy, and Alex. She adored them all and spent many years cooking and caring for them. Olga was an avid reader who taught herself English by reading books with the help of an English-Greek dictionary. She had a beautiful big smile, a vivacious personality, strong faith, and a heart for serving others. She had a special relationship with Mary the Theotokos, to whom she prayed to daily. She was a wonderful daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. Olga loved her family above all else and was happiest when they were together. Unfortunately, numerous spine surgeries took their toll on Olga and stole her mobility and quality of life over the past few years. However, even in her final months, Ted would take her by wheelchair to the local diner and she’d speak to her children daily, offering advice, love, and prayers. Olga is survived by her loving husband, Ted Zois; her two children, Mary McShea and Jim Zois; son-in-law, Greg McShea; four grandchildren, Mike McShea, Katie McShea, Teddy Zois, and Alex Zois; one sister, Kiki Notsikas; one sister-in-law, Vicky Panetis; and many beloved nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 7, 2023, at 11 am at Ss. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 2747 Riva Road, Annapolis, MD 21401, Interment will follow at St. Demetrios Cemetery, Annapolis, MD. A little-known fact about her is that Olga saved money each month for the last 20 years to help the children of St. Jude’s Hospital. She’d keep pictures of the children by her bedside and pray for them each day. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made, in memory of Olga P. Zois, to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or online at stjude.org