Angie Deleganes

Agaleke (Angie) Nicholas was born to Drosso and Nicholas Maraveles on January 20, 1929 in Gialtra, Evia, Greece.  She was the youngest of six children.  Angie shared stories of youth that included picking olives and grapes, daily trips to the baker for bread, raising chickens, caring for her 103 year old PaPou, hiding in the hills during times of war, and playing with make-shift rock dolls, because she had no toys. Being the youngest in the family, all of Angie’s siblings married off, leaving her home alone. After her “match” was fatally injured in the war, Angie’s oldest sibling of 20 years, Panayota (Pam) Bouras, sent for Angie to live with her in America. She came to America in 1954 to be with her sister’s growing family.

Angie immediately became active in the Holy Trinity Church. She attended many name days and one special name day, there was an arrangement to meet a young Greek man from the Spokane area who was looking for a bride.   After the two met, John reported to relatives that there was a “click”.  John and Angie had just 3 dates, all of which were chaperoned by Steve Bouras, prior to a proposal of marriage. The two were married on April 20, 1958.  They purchased a small home in SE Portland, and Angie worked as a baker, until a son entered the family, Constantine Nicholas in August 1964, followed by a daughter, Lalutha (Luan) Drosso in December 1966.  Angie was a caring mother and housewife. She made traditional Greek meals and pastries.  She was an amazing cook!  The couple moved to a beautiful new house in 1967.  Angie settled in to raise the children, pouring her love and affection into carefully prepared home cooked meals and pastries.  A visit to the house was filled with food. A plate of her desserts were always given to enjoy again later. Angie was a member of Philoptochos Martha Circle, and would attend all the baking sessions in preparation the festival, until age and mobility no longer allowed. She was very giving.  As parents, John and Angie ensured that both Luan and Nick received a proper education and marriage in the church.  After the children left, John and Angie enjoyed spending time at the beach, tending their garden, being active with the church, and even took a trip to Greece before the grandchildren came along.  The first grandchild was Kathrine Nicole Deleganes (Chris and Nick) in August of 1993.  Next was Sydney Angelise Dollens (Tom and Luan) in 1996, followed by John Thomas Dollens (Tom and Luan) in 1999.  Angie, with John’s help, raised each grandchild with the same love and attentiveness as her own children.    Watching Yia Yia Angie with her grandchildren was a joy to behold.  She loved them each with an abundance; playing, laughing and making sure each was well fed.

After 60 years of marriage, two children, and three grandchildren; John and Angie were a pair of inseparable love birds. Their occasionally bickering was entertaining, and their enduring love for each other always overcame every little quarrel.  John preceded Angie in death, on October 3, 2018.  Angie was very sad without him, and went to be with the Lord and her husband on September 26, 2019.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be set to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral Philoptochos Society