Obituary of Eleanora Marye Ballasiotes

Eleanora Marye Ogan Ballasiotes left us to be with the Lord September 26, 2016, joining the company of the Saints, leaving behind a huge family of loving friends and relatives. Born to Emma Viola Strandburg and Andrew William Ogan on June 23, 1931 in Kansas City, MO, she was the eighth of eleven children. In 1944, the youngest six children were moved to Aberdeen, WA, to be closer to family. Eleanora attended Aberdeen HS, Grays Harbor Community College, and New York School of Interior Design, before her marriage to her high school sweetheart, George Alexander Ballasiotes, in 1953. Eleanora is leaving behind a positive, affirming legacy of social and political reform rooted in her impregnable spiritual beliefs. She was extremely articulate, highly intuitive and knowledgeable on many subjects. Eleanora challenged the Tacoma School System in the 60's on basic education, and was involved in local and state politics for many years. She was active in preventing punch card voting and sponsored two referendums, winning 75% of the votes. Passionate about the Right to Life, defending rights of the unborn, and those who cannot fight for themselves, she marched in rallies, demonstrated, and picketed abortion clinics. She was a gifted artist, becoming a talented iconographer, expressing her faith through icon writing to a generation of adults and children through church and camping programs. The icons are a blessing to all, and will be cherished as her expression of her faith in Jesus Christ and love for the Orthodox Church. Above all, she cherished her faith, her family and many friends. Her sweet hospitality and generosity was a blessing to everyone who knew her. Eleanora's house was always open; a fresh cup of coffee was always ready to meet a neighbor or friend who needed an ear, who wanted to chat up politics or discuss her Orthodox faith. Survived by husband, George, of 63 years, children Katherine [Mike] Rowley of Tacoma, Emilie [John] John of Shoreline, Chris [Kimberley] of Fox Island, Clara Ballasiotes of Tacoma, twelve grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and sisters Janet Ogan Putnam and Judy Ogan Dishman, numerous nieces and nephews. "Even after 63 years Eleanora's entrance always caused my heart to leap. Walk slowly, Eleanora." Funeral Services: Trisagion: Tuesday, October 4, 7PM and Divine Liturgy Wednesday, October 5, 9:30AM, Funeral Service at 11:00AM at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 1523 S. Yakima in Tacoma. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, St.Nicholas Philoptchos Society or CareNet Pregnancy & Family Services http://www.carenetps.org .