Agapy "Happy" Matheodakis

Agapy (Happy) Matheodakis passed away peacefully in her home on April 23, 2019 at the age of 94. She is survived by her dearest sister, Clara Ermanni (Rego). She is pre-deceased by siblings, George (Elizabeth, Patricia), Noley (Gertrude) and Irene (Frank). She was a loving aunt to Sharon (Bob), Gary (Lynn), Cindy, Jim, Becky, John (Karen), Michael (Cathey), Susan (Cristie) and Paul (Jessica). Proud great-aunt of 8 and great-great aunt of 2. She was born on May 2, 1924 in Hazel Park, MI., and the eldest of five children from parents who were immigrants from the island of Crete, Greece. Happy, one of the first young Greek women allowed to leave home to attend college, earned a degree in business administration and accounting from Western Michigan University. Soon afterward, she began her 40-year career at Ford Motor Company's World headquarters in Dearborn, MI. While at Ford, Happy served as president of the Ford Motor Company Women's Club raising money for many charities. In 1971, she was selected as one of Detroit's "Top 10 Working Women". She also received the "Key to the City of Detroit". Various organizations kept her busy as well as her church. Happy served as Sunday School Superintendent for five years at St. Nicholas Church as well as 30 years serving on their Board of Directors. During that time, she chaired numerous social and fundraising events. Happy, along with Mary Ball (former Detroit City Council member), Fran Eldis and Luke Lucas were responsible for beginning the Greek "Ethnic Festivals" originally held on the Detroit River waterfront. She co-chaired this annual celebration of Greek culture for many years. "The Happy Travelers" were another passion of hers as she organized trips for her and her friends/family around the world. In addition, she was a founding member of the Modern Greek Cultural Association of Wayne State University (WSU) and served on its board. She was also active in fundraisers that were instrumental in establishing the Greek Room at the Manoogian Hall at WSU. Happy was a founder of the Pancretan Youth of America in 1948 and served as its first national treasurer. At that time, she also was a member of AKN (Amerikaniki Kritiki Neolea "Cretan Youth") of Detroit, and held positions on their board for many years and in every capacity, including president. She was on the PAA Convention Committee for the 1970 Detroit convention that was responsible for planning events that entertained almost 1000 people from across the country for an entire week. She was also on the registration committee of the 1999 PAA Convention that was held in Crete, Greece. At the age of 90, Happy was presented with the Hellenic Heritage Award, which recognizes individuals who are contributing members of the community and have achieved exemplary distinction in strengthening the foundation of their faith and culture. Most of all Happy loved and cherished her family fiercely and will be missed by all. Visitation Monday 3-9pm with a 7pm Trisagion at Wujek - Calcaterra & Sons Inc., 36900 Schoenherr Rd at Metro Parkway (16 Mile). Instate Tuesday 9:30am until time of 10am Liturgy at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 760 W. Wattles Troy, MI 48085. Entombment, Cadillac Memorial Gardens East. Please share memories with the family at their "On-Line Guestbook" at WujekCalcaterra.com

Agapy "Happy" Matheodakis

May 2, 1924 - April 23, 2019