Athena K. Susi

Athena K. Susi 88 of New London was born on July 30, 1932 to loving parents, the late Philip and Eva Kiritsis, and was united in marriage to the love of her life, G. Thomas Susi, on January 6, 1957 until his passing on January 10, 2008.  Tom was Superintendant of Highways, Director of Public Works, surveyor, devoted employee who loved his job, and was always there whenever needed, day or night.  Athena and Tom were blessed with a precious and devoted daughter, Katherine.

On August 29, 2020, Athena’s beloved Jesus came and carried her in his arms and took her to His Father’s Heavenly Home, where all discomfort was gone, and she was joined with her Tommy again, and with her Kiritsis and Susi families that passed before her.

Athena had many blessings in her life.  She was also very grateful for the two priests at St. Sophia Orthodox Church – Father Charles Simones, and Father Dean Panagos, who devoted time to visit Tommy and showed compassion to her.  For that, she was grateful.  Most importantly, Athena was very grateful to her daughter Kathy, who devoted a lot of her time assisting her mother.

Athena was a life-long resident of New London, CT.  She attended local elementary schools and was a graduate of the former Williams Memorial Institute in 1950.  She was also a member of the Williams Memorial Institute Alumnae Association.  Shortly after graduating, she was employed at the former National Bank of Commerce and was still employed there when the bank changed to Hartford National Bank, until her marriage in January 1957 to G. Thomas Susi.

Athena previously served as a volunteer in the Nurse’s Department at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, and then as a volunteer at Nutmeg Pavilion Healthcare in the Recreation Department.

She was a long-time member of St. Sophia Orthodox Church in New London, CT.  She was also a member of the St. Sophia Bible Study Prayer Group, as well as a former Assistant Teacher to the Sunday School and a Choir Member.

Besides Athena’s daughter, Katherine, she is survived by her brother and his wife, Theodore and Claire Kiritsis, sister-in-law Barbara Susi, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, September 3rd, 2020, 10:00 a.m., at St. Sophia Hellenic Orthodox Church in New London, CT, and viewing was held from 9:15 a.m., prior to the church service, also at St. Sophia. In honor of Athena’s wishes, a graveside service at Cedar Grove Cemetery in New London, CT, was held for family members and close friends. 

The family respectfully requests, in lieu of flowers, that memorial donations be made in her memory to St. Sophia Hellenic Orthodox Church, 200 Hempstead Street, of New London, CT, or to the Athena Susi Memorial Fund, c/o Liberty Bank, 165 Boston Post Road, Waterford, CT 06385. 

“You have fought the good fight; finished the race; kept the faith; well done, good and faithful servant.”

“We are born to live, and then to die.  But in dying, we are born to eternal life.”