Asphacia Sempeles Gretes

Asphacia (Cia) Sempeles Gretes was born on June 26, 1922, and, at 103+ years old, peacefully went to the Lord on Monday, June 30, 2025.
Predeceased by her loving husband Constantine (Gus) Gretes of 50+ years, a daughter Leigh Gretes Comsudis, her four brothers and three sisters, and all her in-laws. She is survived by two sons, John C. Gretes (Rosie), George C. Gretes (Sherri Rose), son-in-law Sava Comsudis, and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews, and nieces.
Cia was devoted to, and adored by, her husband, children, family, friends, and church. She served as the Chairwoman of the bakery booth at the Greek bazaars and festivals for many years and was recognized for her hard work by Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral. The family attended church every Sunday except for going to Virginia Beach on sunny Sundays in the summer.
As a young person, Cia worked in her father's restaurant and candy store in Winchester, Virginia. She moved to 36th Street in Norfolk, Virginia when she married Gus Gretes who owned restaurants and an automotive repair shop in Norfolk.
She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, always putting others before herself and never complaining.
She later went to work part-time in a Mills Fabrics store to save for a chandelier for her dining room. She continued to work even after buying the chandelier, became a full-time employee, then became the manager of the store, and won awards for having the most improved store in 1973, 1974.
She arranged Sandbridge Beach vacations for her family as well as the families of two of her sisters. These were wonderful summers.
Her three children often said they would not have traded their childhoods with anyone else. Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral recognized her as Mother of the Year.
Cia's relatives, friends, and neighbors provided incredible care and support for her.
A funeral service will be held at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Norfolk, VA on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at 11:00 AM. Burial to follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery. A Trisagion service will be held at H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Norfolk Chapel the evening prior, Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at 5PM.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Hellenic Woman's Club Scholarship Fund, 7220 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA. 23505.