Obituary of Athena Nulie Jonethis

Athena Jonethis, better known as "Nulie", formerly of Jamestown, died Sunday, March 6, 2016, at her home in Nashville, TN, surrounded by two of her four children. Nulie was born September 20, 1919 in Hochist, Albania, to John and Mary (Plaku) Janaq. Because her father journeyed to America to work in the rubber factories of Akron, Ohio, Nulie was privileged to attend the Kennedy Missionary School in Korca, Albania. In 1936, she along with her mother and sister Anita immigrated to Akron to join her father. She graduated from Buchtel High School in 1941. Nulie worked at the M. O'Neil Company in Akron until she married in 1946. She then moved to Jamestown, New York, where she made her life for the next 61 years. An active member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, PTA, Kiwanis Wives, West Side Women's Club, WCA Auxiliary and Creche, Nulie was known for her undeniable style and gracious hospitality. When surprised by visitors (which was often), she could make simple toast and coffee seem special. Those who knew her will remember her personality, style and unwavering strength. She lived the American dream but never forgot her roots. She loved to travel and dance. She was a wonderful wife, mother, cook, baker and friend. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Terry N. Jonethis, whom she married June 16, 1946 and who died October 11, 2011. Nulie leaves behind her sons David (Andrea) Jonethis, John Jonethis both of Nashville, TN, Terry (Kay) Jonethis of West Palm Beach, FL. and her daughter Barbara Cassell (Michael) of Hudson, OH; her sister Anita Kote of Murrells Inlet, SC, seven grandchildren and one great grandchild, as well as many nieces and nephews. The funeral will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 11, 2016, in St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. The Rev. George S. Zervos, pastor will officiate. Burial will be in the Sunset Hill Cemetery. Friends will be received from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, March 10, 2016, in the Lind Funeral Home where a Trisagion Prayer Service will be led at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, P.O. Box 264, Jamestown, NY 14701. May her memory be eternal.