Obituary for Athena Giftos Garivaltis
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Athena Giftos Garivaltis, surrounded by her children, at the age of 93. Athena was the loving daughter of James and Sophia Giftos and the devoted wife of James George Garivaltis, who passed in 2003.
A long life well lived and much loved, Athena was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother who loved, inspired, educated, and laughed. She took on life’s challenges with a relentless positive attitude and fortitude, she asked for no sympathy and never gave up. Athena loved to play golf and tennis with friends and bridge with anyone; she was an avid reader and NYT crossword puzzle enthusiast. Athena always loved watching and supporting her family’s athletic, academic and life pursuits. While Athena would admit that she did not like to cook, she loved to create desserts and, as a chocoholic, made the best chocolate mousse.
Athena grew up and attended school in Pittsfield, MA. She excelled in all of her studies, partook in countless clubs and committees, and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Bates College, Lewiston ME. After time in Troy, NY, she and her husband, Jim, settled in the Berkshires where they raised their family and cultivated lifelong friendships that they held dear.
Beyond her devotion to her friends and family, Athena always felt strongly about giving back to her community. She was sought after as a volunteer as she had an innate ability to get things done and do them well. Athena appreciated the natural beauties of the world and over the years held numerous positions in the Berkshire Garden Club and chaired the Harvest Festival for the Berkshire Botanical Gardens. She also volunteered at the Pittsfield Girls’ Club of America, Junior League of Berkshire County, among other local organizations. Passionate about music, she involved herself with the South Mountain Concerts Young Audiences Program and the Berkshire Music School. Attending multiple performances at Tanglewood each year brought her great delight. Athena was elected an Overseer of the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1977 and was elevated to Overseer Emerita in 1996. Athena also served as a member of the Boston Symphony Association of Volunteers and she and her husband Jim were members of The Walter Piston Society. Athena experienced great joy in attending Tanglewood’s Fellowship Luncheon each summer and took great pleasure in meeting the young aspiring musicians.
Athena is survived by her three children: Gayle and her husband Allen, Sandra, George and his wife Hilary; her five grandchildren: Hilary Nicole, Alex, James, Leland, and Samuel; her great granddaughter Athena; and her two sisters Helen Dwan and Kathy Shelsey and their families.
Mom had a great sense of humor and will always be remembered for her laughter, smile, warmth, wisdom and dedication to her family. Mom will be missed. We loved her and already feel her loss.
FUNERAL NOTICE: Funeral services for Athena Garivaltis are private at her request. There are no calling hours. Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford St, Pittsfield is handling the arrangements.
A long life well lived and much loved, Athena was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother who loved, inspired, educated, and laughed. She took on life’s challenges with a relentless positive attitude and fortitude, she asked for no sympathy and never gave up. Athena loved to play golf and tennis with friends and bridge with anyone; she was an avid reader and NYT crossword puzzle enthusiast. Athena always loved watching and supporting her family’s athletic, academic and life pursuits. While Athena would admit that she did not like to cook, she loved to create desserts and, as a chocoholic, made the best chocolate mousse.
Athena grew up and attended school in Pittsfield, MA. She excelled in all of her studies, partook in countless clubs and committees, and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Bates College, Lewiston ME. After time in Troy, NY, she and her husband, Jim, settled in the Berkshires where they raised their family and cultivated lifelong friendships that they held dear.
Beyond her devotion to her friends and family, Athena always felt strongly about giving back to her community. She was sought after as a volunteer as she had an innate ability to get things done and do them well. Athena appreciated the natural beauties of the world and over the years held numerous positions in the Berkshire Garden Club and chaired the Harvest Festival for the Berkshire Botanical Gardens. She also volunteered at the Pittsfield Girls’ Club of America, Junior League of Berkshire County, among other local organizations. Passionate about music, she involved herself with the South Mountain Concerts Young Audiences Program and the Berkshire Music School. Attending multiple performances at Tanglewood each year brought her great delight. Athena was elected an Overseer of the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1977 and was elevated to Overseer Emerita in 1996. Athena also served as a member of the Boston Symphony Association of Volunteers and she and her husband Jim were members of The Walter Piston Society. Athena experienced great joy in attending Tanglewood’s Fellowship Luncheon each summer and took great pleasure in meeting the young aspiring musicians.
Athena is survived by her three children: Gayle and her husband Allen, Sandra, George and his wife Hilary; her five grandchildren: Hilary Nicole, Alex, James, Leland, and Samuel; her great granddaughter Athena; and her two sisters Helen Dwan and Kathy Shelsey and their families.
Mom had a great sense of humor and will always be remembered for her laughter, smile, warmth, wisdom and dedication to her family. Mom will be missed. We loved her and already feel her loss.
FUNERAL NOTICE: Funeral services for Athena Garivaltis are private at her request. There are no calling hours. Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford St, Pittsfield is handling the arrangements.