Olga Mathes Vlahos

Olga Mathes Vlahos, 89, of Winston Salem passed away peacefully Friday, May 3rd, 2024, at home surrounded by her family. Olga was born in the small village of Klapsi, Evrytania, Greece to John Nick and Maria Nikopoulos Mathes. She immigrated to America on February 9th, 1948, at the age of 12. She overcame language barriers and thrived in a classroom with American children her age later graduating from Reynolds High School in Winston Salem, NC and attending Draughon Business College. She was reacquainted with George Angelo Vlahos, a school friend from her village in Greece and they were happily married for 63 years until his passing in 2020. She was a devoted wife, homemaker, mother, grandmother, godmother and bookkeeper for her husband’s businesses. She welcomed many into their home and assisted numerous individuals within the community. Olga was actively involved in various church activities, including teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, being a GOYA youth advisor, participating in the charitable Ladies Philoptochos Society serving a term as its president and baking thousands of Greek pastries for bake sales and Greek festivals. Her generosity extended to supporting SCAN initiatives, volunteering at Hospice, and preparing meals for those in need. She loved flowers and enjoyed gardening, singing, and dancing. She tutored Greek community members in learning English, studying for driver's licenses and US citizenship tests and provided translation assistance for various documents. Additionally, Olga volunteered as a driver for medical appointments and church activities. Recognized for her service to the Greek Orthodox Church community, she received the Archangel Michael Award in 2003. Remembered for her loving spirit and kindness, Olga's legacy of bringing joy to others will endure. Olga is preceded in death by her beloved husband, George, her sister, Toula, and her brother, Nick. She is survived by her children; Georgia (Greg) Wood, Maria Vlahos, and Ike (Kristi) Vlahos, all of Winston-Salem and Katina (Johnny) Balatsias of Marvin, NC; grandchildren: Victoria, George, Zacharias, Alexa, Michael, Chloe and Luke. Special thanks to caregivers Tatjana and Tela and the hospice care team from Trellis Supportive Care for their unwavering support. Trisagion and funeral services will be held at 12:00 pm Thursday, May 9, 2024, at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Winston Salem, NC. Burial will follow at Forsyth Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 435 Keating Dr., Winston-Salem, NC 27104 in Olga’s honor. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.