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Basilia Zenallis Obituary
Died peacefully early Sunday morning. Born in Canton to the
late Anastasios and Fotini Chuchanis, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Nick W. Zenallis; sisters and brothers, Mary Michaels, John Chuchanis, Ann Peters, Nick Chuchanis and Esther Poulos.
She was a 1942 graduate of McKinley High School, member of St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church, Philoptochos, Daughters of Penelope and the Tri-County Restaurant Association. Basilia, lovingly known as 'Mrs. Z' by her customers and her employees, operated the Topp's Chalet Restaurant from 1955 to 1994 with her late husband Nick, who passed away in 1973. Mrs. Z and her husband funded numerous scholarships and supported numerous local charities including St. John's Villa and Canton Ex-News Boys.
She is survived by her daughter and best friend, Janelle and husband Nectarios Kantzos of North Canton; five grandchildren who she deeply loved: Teddie, Yianni, Markos, Vasiliki and Paisia; brother Gust D. Chuchanis; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will be received on Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. at St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church, with Funeral Services to follow at 11 a.m., Rev. Dr. Nicholas V. Gamvas officiating. Interment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Haralambos Church or the Nativity of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Monastery in Saxonburg, PA.
(ROSSI, 330-492-5830)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Basilia Zenallis
Michael Baum
September 22, 2023
I worked for Nick and Bess as a busboy back in 1964/56 and have nothing but fond memories of my times at Topps Chalet!
Mihael Baum
January 12, 2023
I worked as a buss boy for Nick and Bess in 1963-64 and have nothing but fond memories of those times!
Suzan Williams
May 3, 2019
I worked as a bus girl. Had fun my mom Martha was a waitress for years for the restaurant. My brother Jim worked as a bus boy. Great place.
J.Patrick Garland
October 26, 2009
I live in Atlanta, GA now but will always remember Nick & Bes & all the wonderful people from Topps Chalet. Our family spent a lot of time there. It was my father's, Jim or "Casey" Garland, favorite place. Many, many good memories of Topps & the Zenallis's.
My condolences to your family.
May her memory be eternal.
J.Patrick Garland
AHEPA District One
Past District Governor
Bobbie Housos-Lockerd
October 1, 2009
Janelle,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My mom, Rosie, just passed away on August 28th. Losing her has been harder than I could ever have imagined. She always talked about you when I was growing up and loved you like a daughter.
I worked banquets for a short time and got to know your mom then and throughout the years when my mom, and many of my family, worked there.
Topps was where we had many family celebrations and great memories.
Mrs. Z was a beautiful and wonderful person, as was your dad. I know she must have been thrilled to have the beautiful grandchildren you gave her.
Losing a mother has to be one of the saddest experiences in life. I know you have many wonderful memeories to help you in those difficult moments.
Ours mothers are together in a peaceful place.
~Bobbie Lockerd
"Rosie's daughter"
Kent&Georgene Paumier
September 30, 2009
Janelle,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of sadness. May her memory be eternal.
With Love,
September 29, 2009
Our sincere sympathy on the loss of a
beautiful woman. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time. Tom and Patty Grisez and family
September 29, 2009
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. You are a beautiful family....may your fond memories help get you through sad times.
Rhoda and Pete christ
Richard Samoila
September 29, 2009
May her memory be eternal.
September 29, 2009
Janelle and Nick,
Thinking of you at this difficult time, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Irene Heropoulos
John and Nicole Twinem
Chris Manos
September 28, 2009
Janelle and Nick, I was so sad to hear about your loss, I have so many good memories of your mother. My prayers are with you and your family.
Larry & Laura Imely
September 28, 2009
Jennell & Nick:
Your Mom was a wonderful person and a consummate host. She did such a wonderful job running Topps Chalet and Mary's and my memories of Laura's baptism there and other events, will never be forgotten. We love her, we will miss her and she will be in our memories forever.
Love, Laura and Larry Imely
tom taylor
September 28, 2009
I remender the "other Pace" great place and my colondence's to
the family. A end to a great era.
September 28, 2009
Dear Janelle and family,
Our most sincere condolences.
Your mother, Bess, your father Nick and you have brought so much happiness to our family. Rosalie Chuchanis and I were married in 1968 in Canton and have been blessed with the kindness of your family ever since.
We admire your love and care for your mother and want you to know that you and your family are in our prayers.
Love from Bob and Nick Forinash
Protopresbyter Nicholas V. Gamvas
September 28, 2009
May her Memory be Eternal. Our Deepest Sympathy to the family. Zoes O Logos Sas.
William Eustathios
September 28, 2009
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers are with you.
John and Denise Bellas
September 28, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. May her memory be eternal.
Kathy Pope
September 28, 2009
Janelle, Wish I was there to see you as it has been like 25 years but we always were fond of one another. Not to mention how much I miss Bess and Nick, those were the days. When you have time email me so we can catch up. Stay strong as I know you are.
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