Theona Ambrose Anastasion, 97, passed away peacefully September 28, 2024, in her longtime home of 66 years in Orange. She was born in Baltimore, MD on April 20, 1927 to Harry and Anetta (Vasiliu) Ambrose, Greek immigrants from Turkey and Romania.
   Theona graduated from high school in 1945 and in her early years, always practiced the ethic of hard work, taking employment in the Federal Reserve’s Bond Redemption department, as a sales associate in Grant’s and O’Neil’s Department stores, a swing shift operator for Southern New England Telephone Co and even the US Post Office sorting mail. In 1949, she graduated from Mt Saint Agnes College (now a part of Loyola University of Maryland) with a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology. She met her husband Paul Anastasion of nearly 52 years in 1947 at a Greek social gathering in New Haven.  They married in 1949 in a massive double wedding of 500 people alongside her brother-in-law George Anastasion and his bride Nita Andreas in New Haven at the original site of St. Barbara’s Greek Orthodox Church.
   Shortly after the wedding, Theona and Paul moved to the University of Connecticut New London campus as resident counselors. Theona worked at a New London hospital as a lab technician supporting Paul through his last years of college. They bought an airstream trailer, which she loved, and tended the Victory Garden. She often mused that those were some of the happiest years of her life. Most likely it was also the beginning of a love affair with Nature. Theona enjoyed the magic of the outdoors in all seasons, Fall being her favorite.  She was an avid gardener and took tremendous delight in planning and planting the flowers, trees and shrubs that graced her home in Orange. She loved animals, attracting and helping stray cats and even dogs, Polly the Basset Hound, and Puddy the cat, being the most beloved adoptees.
   Theona was generous with her time, volunteering for years and countless hours making the Greek confections for the St. Barbara’s Odyssey Festival in Orange. She loved teaching her granddaughters to honor their Greek heritage, passing on her recipes for Baklava and New Year’s Bread and the dance steps to accompany the bouzouki bands. She loved to travel and savor great cuisine having visited Greece, England and France with frequent visits to family in New York, California and Boston. Reading was a passion, browsing the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal every morning and enjoying lively debate on current events. Thick, historical novels were a favorite.
   She was an accomplished seamstress and loved the arts and music. Mostly she valued education. She spent 18 years in the Amity Regional School System, starting as a substitute teacher then graduating to Special Education aide. She specialized in supporting students who had reading, emotional and social disabilities. She valued good health and was most grateful for her son Paul who acted as her personal trainer, encouraging her to exercise with weights well into her 90s. Never broke a bone!
   Theona is predeceased by her husband Paul and her brother, Damian Ambrose. She is survived by her daughter, Corie (Anastasion) Opperman, son Paul Savas Anastasion, beloved grandson, Derek Opperman, granddaughters Shana Bathe and Alisa Hunt and great grandson Julian Hunt and great granddaughter Sienna Bathe.
   The family thanks many caregivers who took great care of Theona – Always Best Care, Opal Stork and The Connecticut Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: The Connecticut Audubon Society at ctaudubon.org/donate