Agnes Handges Samos

1929, - 2018

Agnes Handges Samos, 89, passed away on October 26, 2018. Born in Newport News, on April 9, 1929, she was the daughter of Haralambos (Harry) Handges and Ourania (Virginia) Handges. She attended Newport News schools and graduated from Newport News High School. She was a homemaker all of her life and traveled with her family to various military assignments from 1949 - 1966. She also worked at the Warwick Restaurant during the years 1980 to 1986, the years she and her husband owned it. Agnes is survived by her husband of 72 years, John Samos; son, Harry Samos; sister, Mary Georgalas and husband Jack; grandchildren, Lea and Jason Holbrook, Christi and Jason Byrd, and Michael and Melissa Samos; and great-grandchildren, Lauren and Sydney Holbrook, Austin and Camden Byrd, and Rylan, Caroline and Emmeline Samos; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Effie Francis Economou. Agnes loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and took care of them when their parents were occupied. She truly enjoyed spending time with them whenever possible including visiting Disney World five times with Lea, Jason, Lauren and Sydney when we had a timeshare, taking the three grandchildren to Las Vegas during an AHEPA Convention, among many other special moments. Agnes was an active member and worker at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church. She sang in the choir and led the choir for several years. She served as church photographer and historian. When the new church was completed in 1982, she gathered information and displayed pictures of all parish counsels and priests since the church was started in 1949. She was the founder of the local chapter of the Daughters of Penelope (DOP) where she was president the first two years. She also started the Greek Dance group at the DOP that danced at the festival and also at schools and other invitations on the Peninsula. She was also a dedicated festival and Bingo worker for many years. Every Easter, until she became ill, she ordered flowers and was in charge of decorating the Epitaphio, a religious icon at the church. Every August 15, she decorated the Icon of the Virgin Mary with flowers for the service. She had a great love of photography and history and has left behind many memories through all her pictures and newspaper clippings that she saved. Agnes will always be remembered for her long conversations and words of advice, but mostly for for her love and dedication to her family and her church. A Trisagion Service and visitation will be held Monday, November 5, at 7 p.m. at Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 60 Traverse Road, Newport News, 23606. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, November 6, at 11 a.m. at the church with the Rev. George Chioros officiating. Interment will follow at Peninsula Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Church as a memorial. Peninsula Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangement.