Elenie K. Huszagh
May 1, 1937 – July 11, 2014
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco announces with sorrow the passing of Elenie K. Huszagh, who reposed in the Lord on Friday, July 11, 2014. Elenie was a first-generation Greek American and the only child of her beloved parents, Peter and Mary Kostopoulos.
“Elenie’s legacy of service to the Greek Orthodox Church was truly remarkable. Her prominence as a leader was especially noteworthy, with her participation on the Archdicoesan Council for over 30 years, and the wise counsel she provided on many significant issues of the church during her tenure,” stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos. “Beyond all her professional contributions, Elenie was a trusted and true friend. She was always eager to offer assistance and advice for the betterment of the church. In the Metropolis of San Francisco, she was a constant presence as the Presiding Officer for the annual Clergy-Laity Assembly conferences, leading the proceedings with eloquence and gentle authority.”
Born on May 1, 1937, Elenie’s childhood mirrored that of many other Greek children, first only knowing the Greek language but easily learning and adapting to English. She excelled in school and was a voracious reader. At the young age of 16, Elenie’s completed high school and was accepted at the University of Chicago as a Ford Foundation Scholar where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree. She subsequently graduated from Chicago’s John Marshall Law School with a juris doctor degree. She was admitted to the bar of the US Supreme Court, the 7th and 9th Districts of the US Court of Appeals, the US District Court, the Northern District of Illinois, and the Supreme Court of Illinois.
While Elenie’s professional work was highly regarded and brought her great fulfillment, she found her greatest joy using her gifts for the Lord. In addition to her distinguished tenure on the Archdiocesan Council, Elenie also served for several years on the Metropolis Council and as Chair of the Legal Committee. She was a trusted advisor to His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos, of blessed memory, and was awarded the Medal of Saint Paul, the highest honor bestowed upon a layperson by the Archdiocese. Elenie was also instrumental in the drafting of the Charter for the Archdiocese, and worked closely with the Ecumenical Patriarchate to develop this important document which governs the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. In recognition of her devotion to the Archdiocese, Elenie was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from Hellenic College/Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, MA in May 2003.
After several years of involvement with the National Council of Churches (NCC), Elenie was called upon to serve as its President in 2002 – 2003. As the nation’s largest organization in the movement for Christian unity, Elenie was a strong leader and brought prominence to the Orthodox Church through her governance. She also served as legal counsel to the World Council of Hellenes Abroad, and was a founding member of the Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce established in Chicago.
Elenie is survived by her devoted son, Peter. She was predeceased by her husband, Richard, who passed away in 2008. She is also survived by her extended family, friends and colleagues, of all whom will miss Elenie’s friendship
His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos will officiate at the Funeral Service which will be prayed on Friday, July 18 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 3131 NE Glisan Street, Portland, OR. The interment will be held at Sunset Hills Memorial Park, 6801 SW Sunset Hwy, Portland, OR.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations in Elenie’s memory to International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), P.O. Box 17398, Baltimore, MD 21297.