Ermione J. Spanos

10/08/1933 - 12/27/2025

Ermione J. Spanos (née Karageorge), 92, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and matriarch passed away with her family at her side on Saturday December 27, 2025. Born on October 8, 1933, in the village of Karpenisi in Evrytania, Greece, she was the second youngest of six children born to Harry Karageorge and Helen (Matragonis) Karageorge. She is predeceased by her husband, John. J Spanos; her siblings Paul, Anthoula (Havelos), Demosthenes, Peter, and Achilleas. Ermione's early life was shaped by extraordinary hardship during World War II and the Greek Civil War. As a child, her family home was destroyed by occupying forces, and she spent years alone in an army-supervised camp for displaced children. During periods of extreme violence, she survived by hiding underground for 19 days, sustained by prayer and an unshakable faith that would guide her throughout her life.


In 1952, she married the love of her life, John J. Spanos, beginning a marriage that spanned nearly seven decades and was rooted in faith, perseverance, and devotion to family. The couple immigrated to the United States in 1953, settling in the Washington, D.C. area, where they raised two children and built a life defined by hard work and gratitude. Ermione worked tirelessly alongside her husband in the family restaurant business, including the well-known Caesar's Forum in McLean, Virginia, and later in real estate, playing a central role in the success of their ventures. Despite the many obstacles she overcame, she faced every challenge with grit and determination. With a positive outlook that never faltered, she became an inspiration and a true role model to her family and community.


A deeply devoted Greek Orthodox Christian, Ermione was a founding member of Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church in Falls Church, Virginia, and Saint George Greek Orthodox Church in Ocean City, Maryland. She was a member of The Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Foundation. She lived her faith through quiet generosity, service, and hospitality, helping those in need without seeking recognition. Known for her warmth, intelligence, wit, elegance, and exceptional hospitality, Ermione was a gifted gardener and cook, a host whose home and heart was always open to family and friends.


She is survived by her cherished daughter and caretaker, Helen; her devoted son, Harry (Tina); four adoring grandchildren, John (Constantina), Helen, Angelica (Stephen), Jennifer (Russell); six precious great-grandchildren, Sophia, Elizabeth, John, Haralambos, Theodore, and Dimitrios; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 6, at 11 a.m. at Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, 3149 Glen Carlyn Road Falls Church, VA 22041. The funeral service will follow at 12 p.m. and interment will follow at National Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church.