Obituary of Adeena Sophia (Anasoulis) Antonio

Adeena “Deena” Antonio (née Anasoulis) of Peabody passed away Monday, October 29, in the company of her family and loved ones. She was married 57 years to her beloved husband, George Antonio, also of Peabody. Deena was born September 26, 1932 in Schenectady, New York, to parents Louie and Alberta Anasoulis. Her family moved to Holten Street in Peabody when she was 6 years old; her brother Peter, one year her senior, played regularly with George Antonio, whom she would marry seventeen years later. At Samuel Brown School, she met her lifelong friend Pat Brophy, and at Peabody High School, she met another “sister”, Aspacia “Aspie” (Gargas) Cassidy. After her graduation in 1951, she attended Endicott Junior College in Beverly. George and Adeena began “going steady” in 1953, and the high-school sweethearts were married July 3, 1955, at St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church. A loving mother, Deena was renowned for her unceasing dedication to family life. With George, she raised five children – Donna, Ellen, James, George Jr., and Louis – to whom she devoted herself entirely. In addition to caring for her children, Deena worked in Human Resources at Jordan Marsh (now Macy’s, at the North Shore Mall) for over 25 years, saving her paychecks to assure her children had memorable birthday and Christmas celebrations. In her personal journal, she wrote to her children: “Growing up I felt that I could trust you to make good decisions and you were the children I had always wanted.” Her friends and family have fond memories of her firm-yet-caring parenting, her gentle kisses, and her traditional Sunday dinners. Deena was also known for her exuberance and her love of life. In her later years, she fulfilled a lifelong dream with her husband, travelling around the world. She and George ventured to Hawaii, Alaska, New Mexico, and Greece, and spent many winters alongside friends in Florida. Her laugh was uplifting and put a smile on the faces of everyone around her; her sense of humor, even in her last days, never faltered. Her grandchildren remember her signature advice: “Have some fun while you’re still young.” Deena is survived by her husband, George; her children, Donna, Ellen, James, George Jr., and Louis; her grandchildren, George II, Nathaniel, Nora, and Dean; and innumerable friends and relatives. Her family would like to extend their gratitude to Deena’s neighbors, the Silveria family; to her dear friend, Aspie; to the nurses of Hospice; and to the staff of Dr. Lapine’s office, for comforting Deena in her hours of need. Her funeral will be held on Friday, November 2, 2012 at 9 a.m. from the Conway Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn Street in Peabody followed by a service at 10 a.m. at St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church, 5 Paleologos Street Peabody. A wake will be held on Thursday, November 1, 2012 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody. In honor of Deena’s love of gardening, donations of flowers are greatly appreciated; or, in lieu of flowers, monetary donations can be made to St. Vasilios Church. May her memory be eternal. Please visit www.ccbfuneral.com for directions, online obituary and memorial guest book.