Nitsa Irene Pantages Gumas
September 14, 1906 - March 23, 2003
Obituary
Nitsa Irene Pantages Gumas ”Yiayia”
Nitsa Pantages Gumas, age 96, was born on September 14, 1906, and left us peacefully early Sunday morning, March 23, 2003. She was the sixth and youngest child of Nicholas and Franga Pantages, and immigrated to the United States at the age of 8 from the island of Andros, Greece. Her uncle, who was here father’s brother, was Alexander Pantages of the famous Vaudeville era and owner of the 56 Pantages Theatres across the United States, sponsored the family to come to this country.
After graduating from Broadway High School, she met the dapper man of her dreams, Constantine Gus Gumas, and they were married in Seattle, Washington. They owned and operated the Astor Hotel on 8th and Pine in downtown Seattle for 36 years. Gus passed away in August 1979.
Nitsa was a charter member of Eastern Star , Amethyst Chapter #168, and was always very dynamic since here younger days. She was also very active in her church and its affiliation, Daughter’s of Penelope, Philoptochos Society, originally the Women’s Hellenic Club of which she served several terms as President in each of them. Her family was one of the founding members of her beloved St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church. For many years, she could be found volunteering to bake and serve for the Church Festivals. Her large Chrysler was always filled to capacity with those whom she had picked up from Magnolia to the North End, to make sure they all could get to the Church for the Ladies’ Club meeting. After the meeting, she drove each and every one of them back home.
Her greatest and most rewarding accomplishments were being a wonderfully devoted homemaker, wife, mother, grandmother and a true friend to so many.
Nitsa is survived by her daughter, Polette John Limantzakis and their children, Johnette Michael Katsanevas, Johnny Lucy Limantzakis, and her son, Dr. Tom Linda Gumas of England, and their children. Also surviving is her nephew Dean Kathleen Lentgis, and their family, and her niece, Thalis Basil Anton, and their family.
”Mom, we will never forget that beautiful smile that never left your lips. You never complained about anything. We all wish you a good journey; may you find all your loved ones up there that you missed so terribly much. We known the Lord welcomes you with open arms. Until we meet again.”
The family would like to express sincere gratitude to the caregivers who provided such wonderful care for ”Yiayia”, and to the nurses of Group Health Hospice. A special heartfelt Thank You to our sisters and brothers for always welcoming Yiayia into their homes, like she was their own, and never forgetting her at any occasion. Thank you.
A funeral service was held last March on Thursday, March 27, 2003, at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church. Nitsa is buried at Evergreen-Washelli. Please make donations to the St. Demetrios Endowment Fund.
Mom; As each week passes,we realize more and more your absence from our home and our lives, and we miss you so much. Our consolation is that we know you have now found all your loved ones in heaven. May your eternal days be filled with sunshine and happiness together with all your loved ones. Until we meet again……
Our love always,
Polette & John
I may not have many memory’s of Yiayia, but the one’s I do are very fond. You will always be missed.