Βy Catherine Tsounis
A person of character who believed in helping youth and community, Annette Maria Fridas was always there to help all. She had a beautiful smile that showed her unselfish, kind nature. Mrs. Fridas passed away recently. Visitation took place on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, from 10:00 to 11:30 AM at Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church, located at 1400 Cedar Swamp Rd, Glen Head, NY 11545. The funeral service followed at 11:30 AM at the same location.
Nicole Fridas Unay, her daughter, said on Facebook “ I have been blessed to have experienced a beautiful life together with our family, learning from my incredible mother and watching how powerful a true warrior can be resilient to obstacles but instead use that to cast an appreciation for life. We made it our mission to enjoy every moment we could because even the small strides were a great victory for us. Please join us in celebrating my mother gaining her golden wings as the most spectacular guardian angel for our family. In lieu of flowers, help keep her brightness alive by donating to her chosen nursing home in Chios.” For more information, contact Nicole Fridas Unay on Facebook.
I met Mrs. Fridas in 1998 when her daughter Nicole took a Greek class at a local university where I taught. “My parents are members of Panchiaki Korais Greek Society in Bayside, NY.,” said Nicole. “They will help you get scholarships for your students.” Annette spearheaded the effort, helping many students get monetary scholarships that went directly in their hands and not through third parties. Mr. and Mrs. Annete and Nick Fridas with Nicole helped many young persons learning Greek.
Panchiaki Korais is a famous Chian Society known for its philanthropic endeavors. In 2000, Mr. Constantine Parthenis, the president helped spearhead the $1,000 donation for Modern Greek scholarships, along with the help of Mrs. Anette and Nicholas Fridas with Mrs. Athena Tsokou Kromidas. For two years, Nick and Annette Fridas worked behind the scenes with their daughter Nicole, to make the scholarships a reality. They encouraged the youth on the university level, until 2010.
Annette inspired her daughter to engage in philanthropic work with the Delta Phi Epsilon Beta Omega chapter. Together, the family aided new members and made generous donations. A deeply religious person, Annette contributed to various monasteries. She encouraged her family to unite in their efforts to improve the community’s quality of life through philanthropy. Annette Maria Fridas will be missed by all. “The legacy we leave is not just in our possessions, but in the quality of our lives.” -— Billy Graham
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