PHAEDRA RANGAZAS SHIVELY

PHAEDRA RANGAZAS SHIVELY Phaedra Constantinos Rangazas Shively passed away July 3, 2018, surrounded by her husband of forty-eight years, her niece and nephew. Born in Korifi, Greece, close to Mount Olympus, she had deep aspirations to make a difference in the world. As a little girl, she dreamed of visiting other lands and learning of different cultures and their people. She came with her family to America in 1949, where they made New Haven, Connecticut their new home. Her studies at Albertus Magnus College were followed by graduate studies in the joint program of Middlebury College and the Sorbonne-University of Paris, from which she earned the Masters Degree in French Language and Literature. During one of her frequent visits to France as ongoing education in that culture, she met her future husband, Frank Shively. Shortly after their marriage in 1969, they moved to New Mexico where Phaedra returned to her profession as language educator, teaching both French and Spanish, and Frank to his research in particle physics. After their move to Santa Fe, she continued with God-given talents as an educator and linguist, developing exceptional French language programs in three Santa Fe schools, with nationally recognized students. Phaedra flourished as a leader in her profession in New Mexico and regionally, where she was active in developing textbooks, curricula, and other programs and materials for French language and culture. She was honored for lifetime achievement by her professional associates, and the State of New Mexico. She was so influential and did such impactful work for the enrichment of French education that she was ultimately honored with knighthood in the Order of 'Palmes Academiques', bestowed by the Prime Minister of France - Chevalier Phaedra. This was one of her greatest accomplishments, but she never lost her sense of humility. She cherished the active community life of Santa Fe, and her circle of friendships. In remembering Phaedra, a very strong, proud, private and spiritual woman, it was her zest for life, her charming personality, and her smile (which lit up a room) that will be missed most. Her family and close friends will never forget the love, passion, commitment and sense of fun and excitement she brought to any gathering of those close to her. Her marriage to her devoted husband filled her life with love and partnership and gave her a foundation upon which she grew and developed to share her many gifts with the world around her. All who became close to her were blessed and touched by these gifts, in ways which have been life-changing for us. Her spirit lives on inside us, and all around us, as we remember those unforgettable times, conversations and words of trust, confidence and love which stay with us forever. Phaedra leaves behind her husband, Frank T. Shively, her brother George C. Rangazas and his wife, Inga, two nieces, Vassiliki Rangazas, and Joyce Kopidakis, and many relatives on the Shively side of her family including Frank's brother and sister, and sixteen nieces and nephews. Preparations are underway to return Phaedra to her birthplace in Greece, where her closest family will gather to celebrate her life.