Obituary of Lela Girves

HUDSON- Lela “Yia Yia” Girves went home peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ October 12, 2010.  Born in the Dodecanese Island of Symi, Greece, she came to the United States as a teenager. Mrs. Gus Girves and her husband were the original founders of The Brown Derby Restaurants and was an active member of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, where she also served for many years as Director of the Sunday school. Lela served at one time as Advisor and Secretary to Philoptochos Society, Melissa, Leadership 100 of Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Women’s Board of St. Thomas Hospital and Founder to her beloved Symian Society.  Lela was a strength and role model to her family. She was dedicated to her religion, proud of her heritage, and always available to her family.  Her beauty was shown both inside and out through her positive energy and selflessness.  She was a scholar, a teacher, a traveler, a matriarch, a friend and a true lady.  A verse that defined Lela’s life was Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.”  Lela will be missed.   Preceded in death by her parents, Konstantinos and Irene Moskos, husband, Gus in 1999, daughter, Irene Johnson and brother, George Moskos. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Parris and Lynn Girves, son-in-law, Bernard Johnson, daughter-in-law, Carnen Girves, sisters-in-law, Katherine Stiliaras, Walley Moskos, and Gretchen Moskos, grandchildren, Jay (Carrie) Johnson, Michelle (Matt) Wilson, Parry, Justin and Gabrielle Girves; great-grandchildren, Madeline and Sam Wilson, Gus Girves and Charlotte Johnson; as well as many very special nieces, nephews and cousins.  Friends may call Thursday 4 to 7 PM at Redmon Funeral Home, where Trisagios services will be held at 5 P.M.    Funeral services will be held Friday 2 PM at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 129 S. Union Street, Akron 44304 with Rev. Father Jerry Hall officiating.  Interment Rose Hill Burial Park.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Annunciation Parish Scholarship fund.  Mrs. Girves' video tribute may be seen here.