NEW YORK, NY –
Themi Vasils, a devoted advocate for Hellenic culture and a driving presence behind the National Hellenic Museum’s early growth, died on February 6, at the age of 101.
Born on December 9, 1924, she was the daughter of Peter and Julia Vasils and sister of Theodora Vasils.
Themi Vasils has served as Managing Director of the National Confectioners Association’s Chicago Office, where she also held the position of Acting President for a period of time.
A dedicated and accomplished professional, she was equally committed to her community, offering more than three decades of service to numerous Hellenic and philanthropic organizations.
For nearly 20 years, she played a vital role at the National Hellenic Museum, including service as President of the Board of Directors.
With a background in journalism, she became a published translator of short stories and co‑translator (with her sister) of two books by renowned Greek author Nikos Kazantzakis. Vasils also contributed her talents to the Greek Star newspaper as director, volunteer writer, and advisor to the Editor.
Her volunteer work extended to the Greek Welfare Foundation Retirement Home project, public information services for the Metropolis of Chicago, and media leadership roles for Orthodox Christian SYNERGY and the Chicago Chapter of International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC).
Family and friends will gather to pay their final respects on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Chicago, 1017 N. LaSalle Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60610. Visitation is at 10:30 a.m., followed by the Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Elmwood Cemetery in River Grove.
Contributions in her memory may be made to the Annunciation Cathedral or to International Orthodox Christian Charities, P.O. Box 17398, Baltimore, Maryland 21297.
May her memory be eternal!
A tribute by the NHM
“Fiercely devoted to her Greek heritage, Ms. Vasils was an early director, volunteer, and steadfast advocate for the mission of the National Hellenic Museum. Her tireless contributions in the Museum’s earliest days were instrumental in making the Museum what it is today”, the Museum noted in a tribute posted on Facebook.
“Themi provided the vision necessary to build the Museum into a lasting institution. With her gentle and dignified demeanor, she cultivated support in the Greek American community and beyond, developing relationships and connections to ensure the Museum would endure. She was a trusted leader during the effort to establish the Museum’s permanent home in the heart of Chicago’s historic Greektown neighborhood, building the shared commitment and momentum that made it possible”, the Museum added.
The tribute concluded, “Her legacy lives on in the Museum she helped build and in the community she so selflessly served. May her memory be eternal”.
