Efthemia “Effie” Bitsos
Jan 16, 1926 – Jun 6, 2017
Efthemia “Effie” Bitsos, age 91, passed away quietly Tuesday morning. She was a native of Trikorfon Doridos Greece, came to the U.S. in 1947, and has lived in Sioux City, IA and Yankton, SD, but since 1993 she made her home in Omaha, NE. She is survived by her two children, Paul Bitsos (Dora) and Tina Mentis (Peter); five grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends Friday, June 9th from 5pm to 7pm, with TRISAGION (Prayer Service) at 7pm at the Bel Air Chapel, 12100 W. Center Rd. SERVICES Saturday, June 10th at 10am at All Holy Spirit Greek Orthodox Church, 9012 “Q” St. Interment, Evergreen Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to All Holy Spirit Greek Orthodox Church, 9012 “Q” St., Omaha 68127.
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Known to everyone as Yiayia, Efthemia “Effie” Raftopoulos was born to Konstantinos Raftopoulos and Efrosine Tragy on January 16, 1926 in Trikorfon Doridos Greece. She came from a large family with twelve brothers and sisters, but in 1947 it was she who was chosen by her father to emigrate to America to marry Elias “Louie” Bitsos, an arrangement made by her father and his father, who also had come from the same village. Soon after, Effie would find a new home and a new life in America. Two children quickly followed—Apostolos “Paul” and Constantina “Tina”—and for the next fifty years, she devoted her time around the church, her family, and the family restaurant business.
Although Effie’s career was restaurants, her real passion and calling were caring for her family: children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, and Godchildren. Her love of family extended to everyone she met. She was a devout believer and woman of faith. Whether from her love of and commitment to her Greek traditions, including “philoxenia,” her life-long participation in Philoptochos, her impact on church growth through fellowship, or simply happy hour with her neighbors, her vivacious spirit was admired and envied. From 1993 to the present she made her home in Omaha and was a member of St. John, and later, All Holy Spirit Greek Orthodox Churches. She lived a long and fulfilling life and was loved by all who knew her. She will be greatly missed.
Effie was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers, and three sisters. She is survived by her two children, Paul Bitsos (Dora) and Tina Mentis (Peter); five grandchildren: Efthemia Kosmides (Paul), Antonia Kosel (Paul), Elias Mentis (Marni), David Mentis (Doris), and Euphrosyne Mentis; ten great-grandchildren.
Rest in peace, Yiayia!
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1 Condolence
TO PAUL AND TINA–I will always remember your mother and father, who were so kind and would go out of their way to help anyone. Growing up in Yankton was the peaceful times of our lives, especially when your parents opened up The Coney Island Café. I had the opportunity to talk to your mother in the early 70s in Sioux City and again in 2005 when my mother had passed away. Your mother was always young at heart. My sincere condolences are with you and your families.
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