Obituary of Johanna Zahakos

Johanna Savas Zahakos

October 9, 1936 - January 14, 2021

Hyde Park, NY

Johanna passed away peacefully on January 14, 2021 at the age of 84.

Born October 9, 1936 to the late Michael and Helen (Juras) Savas, she was raised in Bronx, New York with her baby brother, Andrew.

Johanna married Harry Zahakos with whom she had four children. Stephanie Parrish Bell, Andrea Bues (Thomas), Marc Zahakos (Denise) and Harry Zahakos (Tasha).

She is survived by her four children, brother Andrew Savas, beloved sister-in-law Carol Savas, and dearest cousin Marion Savas.  She took delight in her ten grandchildren, Jason Parrish (Melissa), Andrew Parrish, Stephen Parrish, Sawyer Bell, Sara Bues, Jessica (Bues) Forbes, Marc Zahakos, Dina Zahakos, Nicholas Zahakos, and Christopher Zahakos.  She was also blessed with four great-grandchildren, Chase, Myles, Leila, and Jordan.  She loved and was loved by nieces, nephews, seven cousins, in-laws, other relatives and friends.

She spent a career working for the IRS as an agent, supervisor and teacher. Between work and raising children, she continued her education and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Mercy College with her Bachelor degree. In 1995 she retired and began to live more for herself.

Johanna was a strong, devoted and loving mother with a great sense of humor.  Her smile and laugh were contagious.  Wherever she went, laughter was always abundant. She maintained this joyous and loving spirit even in the face of adversity and illness.

Music, movies and family were her passions. She also loved to travel.  Having a brother who often lived abroad enabled her to visit distant lands and make a lifetime of wonderful memories.

She will always be remembered the same way she lived her life, with love, laughter and a smile. And, by many, with a deep sense of gratitude.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials to the Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption (Windham, NY) or charity of your choosing.

Join Zoom Meeting for funeral service Wednesday, 1/20, 2pm EST
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86295897393?pwd=RHFLOUN6VnlqblRwMWNjRCszM3hSQT09

Meeting ID: 862 9589 7393