Gloria Helen (Jacobson) Vardakis

Gloria Helen Vardakis

1936 – 2019

Gloria Vardakis, Yia-Yia, passed away December 26th after a short heart-related illness at Harris Hospital in Ft. Worth, Texas at the age of 83. Her spirit was full of caring and will be eternally remembered by those she touched as being a loving and devoted wife, mom, Yia-Yia, big sister, aunt, friend, neighbor and a cheerfully dedicated Orthodox Christian. 

Gloria was born in Springfield, MA to Gunnar and Hazel Jacobson on March 7, 1936. She was a longtime resident of West Springfield, MA. A few short years after high school graduation she met and married her true love Tony Vardakis in 1958 at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Gloria had two children, George and Andrew, and raised them in West Springfield. Gloria’s Christian beliefs were strong and while raising her family she converted to her husband’s Greek Orthodox faith. In addition to raising her family, she worked at Aetna Life and Casualty and was active at St. George in both the church and youth activities. She lovingly and tirelessly devoted her time to her family, worked a full-time job, supported extended family members and friends in need, and still donated her time and talent to the church; all the time with a cheerful spirit and can-do attitude. 

After raising their family and her retirement, Gloria and husband Tony moved to Spring Hills, Florida where she met many dear friends. She was an active member of Christ the Savior Greek Orthodox Church where she served in many capacities; her most memorable was parish council president. Shortly after her husband Tony’s passing, she moved to Ft. Worth, TX in 2007 to be close to two of her young grandchildren; Alexandria and Sophia. Gloria was very active at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church until her passing and, although being of Swedish decent, she couldn’t be prouder to be a Greek. She was a marvelous cook and devoted her time working shoulder-to-shoulder with the ladies of the church preparing dishes and pastries for the church’s year-round events; especially the St. Demetrios annual Greek Festival. She had a bright and engaging personality and oftentimes was the first person to provide a warm greeting to parish visitors and new neighbors. She continued to be upbeat and give of herself to family, loved ones and the Church until the day of her passing. 

We miss her and will always love her dearly.

Gloria was predeceased by her parents, loving husband Tony, and brother Charles Jacobson.

She is survived by her sons George and his wife Janice of Ft. Worth, TX, Andrew and his wife Kelly of West Springfield, MA, her grandchildren Alexandria and Sophia of Ft. Worth, TX, and Gunnar of West Springfield, MA, her brother Randolph and his wife Karen of Waterford, CT, and several nieces, nephews, extended family, and loving friends.

Visitation and Trisagion Prayers are planned for Wednesday January 1, 2020 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Funeral services are planned for Thursday January 2, 2020 11:00 AM with a Makaria reception to follow. Both Services will be held at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 2020 NW 21st Street, Fort Worth, TX and officiated by Fr. Nicholas Hadzellis. Gloria will be laid to final rest with her husband Tony at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Agawam, MA.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Memory of Gloria Vardakis to St. Demetrios or the charity of your choice.

May Her Memory Be Eternal.

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