Eleni Yanouzas passed away on February 6, 2021 in the 89th year of her life, and in the comfort of her home. Born on July 29, 1931, Eleni was raised in Vandergrift, Pennsylvania, where she met her husband of 66 years, John. In 1970, the Yanouzases came to Hampton, where they raised their three children, Georgette, Niko, and Melina, and where Eleni became immediately involved in the community, serving as an elected member of the Hampton Elementary School Board of Education and later in life, as a member of the Recreation Commission.

But her most memorable contributions to our town were to our theaters. After her children were grown, Eleni fulfilled a lifelong dream, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in theater, cum laude, from the University of Connecticut, and training in London at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Prior to honing her natural talents, she shared them with us, playing lead roles in the Hampton Community Players’ productions. Starring in the first production, The Pirates of Penzance, Eleni continued to grace our stage with memorable performances in several musicals, playing opposite Jim Roberston in Fiddler on the Roof and Guys and Dolls. Who could ever forget her Golda’s loving frustration with his Tevye in “Do You Love Me?” Or his Nathan Detroit’s loving frustration with her Adelaide in “Sue Me”? They were among the adults who were responsible for giving the town’s teenagers a sense of performance, of community, of having — with neighbors of all ages – such fun.

Eleni began volunteering with the Consolidated School, directing The Wizard of Oz (with a challenging number of “munchkins”), and You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown. Double casting for day and evening performances, she wanted the most children to be able to shine. Notable and successful musicals she directed at Parish Hill High School included Godspell, The Fantasticks, Pippin, and Man of la Mancha.

Lovingly referred to as “The General”, Eleni was supportive and compassionate, generous with her time and talent, and loved to laugh. Devoted to her family, Eleni attended all of her children’s and grandchildren’s recitals and sporting events – rain or shine — over the years. She was very proud of her heritage, as evinced in her frequent visits to Greece, her insistence that her children learn the language, her Greek food, including the wonderful baklava, which she often provided to neighbors and friends, and her devotion to her Church, where she served as President of the Church Council and as Choir Director.

Eleni’s lovely voice never failed her, as we witnessed the last Christmas the carolers visited and she sang with us from her porch. Nor did her beauty ever fade. Those who met Eleni were initially overwhelmed by her beauty, but those of us privileged to have known her were blessed with the beauty within. Our condolences to her family.

Donations in Eleni’s honor may be made to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 80 Water St., Danielson, CT 06239.