Evangeline Cokas

1935 - 2015

Evangeline Jane Cokas

January 30, 1935 – May 8, 2015

Evangeline at age 80 passed away after a long illness surrounded by her treasured husband James Cokas and her two children Deborah Cody and Nicholas Cokas.

Evangeline Cokas was born on January 30, 1935 in Los Angeles, CA to the parents of Rev. Nicholas and Sophie Tounger. Her parents moved to San Francisco when she was a few months old. They lived in San Francisco with her grandmother and her two single aunts Helen and Tula during the depression years.

She was 10 years old when her parents purchased a home in San Francisco. She attended Lawton Elementary School through the 8th grade and then attended Polytechnic High School where she graduated at 16 years old. She was an accomplished pianist and was selected to play the complete score of Malaguena at the San Francisco Opera House during the graduation ceremonies. Upon high school graduation she attended San Francisco State College and was a member of ALPHA CHI ALPHA sorority. Evangeline received her B.A. with honors and her teaching credential in 1956. Her 35-year teaching career began at George Washington High School in San Francisco. In 1957 she met and married James Cokas from Los Angeles, CA where they resided for a short period. Upon returning to the Bay Area she became the proud mother of Deborah and Nicholas Cokas. In addition to her family and work responsibilities she was a devoted pianist/organist at her father's church, The Greek Apostolic Church of San Francisco, and lead a woman's Bible study in her community for over 40 years.

Evangeline treasured her friends and family. She leaves behind her husband James Cokas, her daughter Deborah Cody, her son Nicholas Cokas, her son-in-law Bill Cody and her two beautiful granddaughters Jamie Cody and Nicole Cody. She also leaves her cherished cousin Elaine Grillos (John), her grand nieces Elizabeth Grillos, Stephanie Lenzi (Jon), nephew John Grillos Jr. (Laurel) and many grand nieces, nephews and cousins.

Family and friends may visit on Friday, May 15, 2015 after 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the CHAPEL OF THE HIGHLANDS, El Camino Real at 194 Millwood Drive in Millbrae, with a Vigil Service beginning at 7:00 PM. A Funeral Service will be celebrated on Saturday at 11:00 AM at Church of the Highlands at 1900 Monterey Drive in San Bruno. Committal will follow at Greek Orthodox Memorial Park at1148 El Camino Real in Colma.

Her family appreciates donations to the Greek Apostolic Church, 1534 Plaza Lane #249, Burlingame CA 94010