Betsy Chehak
November 13, 1924 — November 19, 2003
Betsy "Tomme? Chehak, 79, formerly of Cedar Rapids, departed this earthly life on November 19, 2003, following a long, courageous battle with cancer. Funeral services: 2:00 p.m. Friday, November 21, at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Oklahoma City.
Trisagion services: 7:00 p.m. Sunday, November 23, 2003, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Burial: 10:00 a.m. Monday, November 24, 2003, Linwood Cemetery, Cedar Rapids, Iowa,
Betsy, known to everyone as Tomme, was born November 13, 1924, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Gust and Maria Thomas, who had immigrated to Iowa from Samos, Greece. Following graduation in Iowa, Tomme started work in Chicago then moved back to Cedar Rapids where she met and married the love of her life, Norbert Chehak, on January 26, 1952. Together, they lived in Portland, Oregon, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Milan, Italy, Evansville, Indiana and finally, Edmond, Oklahoma. Tomme?s beloved Norbert preceded her in death in 1986.
Tomme was known as a faithful and active member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church, a perfect hostess, a gourmet cook and an avid golfer. She and Norbert were members of many golf clubs throughout the U.S. and Europe. After Norbert?s death, Tomme immersed herself in new challenges. In 1989, she co-founded Anastasia Marie Laboratories and distinguished herself in the study and treatment of diabetes-related skin care, remaining an officer in the company and a respected member of the pharmaceutical community until her demise.
Above all, Tomme was a devoted wife and a loving mother to her surviving daughters, Anastasia Chehak, Edmond, Oklahoma, and Stephanie Carrol, Eugene, Oregon, son-in-law Charles Carrol, and grandchildren, Frances and Joe Carrol, all of Eugene; a brother, Paul Thomas and sister-in-law Ann of Punta Gorda, Florida; sister, Fifi Thomas Psihogios and brother-in-law, Peter, of Lake Oswego, Oregon; sister-in-law Sophie Michael, of Miami, Florida. Tomme is also survived by many cherished cousins, including Tom, Helen, Fr. Fred, Nick, Mary, Vangie, Kathy, Toni, Steven and Vicky, as well as many other cousins in Samos, Greece. Additional survivors include four nieces, three nephews and several godchildren. A brother, Nick Thomas, preceded her in death.
Despite her illness, Tomme?s sweet spirit and sense of humor remained, and her departure leaves a large void in the hearts of all those who knew and loved her.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to St. George Foundation, 2101 N.W. 145th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73134.
Trisagion services: 7:00 p.m. Sunday, November 23, 2003, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Burial: 10:00 a.m. Monday, November 24, 2003, Linwood Cemetery, Cedar Rapids, Iowa,
Betsy, known to everyone as Tomme, was born November 13, 1924, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Gust and Maria Thomas, who had immigrated to Iowa from Samos, Greece. Following graduation in Iowa, Tomme started work in Chicago then moved back to Cedar Rapids where she met and married the love of her life, Norbert Chehak, on January 26, 1952. Together, they lived in Portland, Oregon, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Milan, Italy, Evansville, Indiana and finally, Edmond, Oklahoma. Tomme?s beloved Norbert preceded her in death in 1986.
Tomme was known as a faithful and active member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church, a perfect hostess, a gourmet cook and an avid golfer. She and Norbert were members of many golf clubs throughout the U.S. and Europe. After Norbert?s death, Tomme immersed herself in new challenges. In 1989, she co-founded Anastasia Marie Laboratories and distinguished herself in the study and treatment of diabetes-related skin care, remaining an officer in the company and a respected member of the pharmaceutical community until her demise.
Above all, Tomme was a devoted wife and a loving mother to her surviving daughters, Anastasia Chehak, Edmond, Oklahoma, and Stephanie Carrol, Eugene, Oregon, son-in-law Charles Carrol, and grandchildren, Frances and Joe Carrol, all of Eugene; a brother, Paul Thomas and sister-in-law Ann of Punta Gorda, Florida; sister, Fifi Thomas Psihogios and brother-in-law, Peter, of Lake Oswego, Oregon; sister-in-law Sophie Michael, of Miami, Florida. Tomme is also survived by many cherished cousins, including Tom, Helen, Fr. Fred, Nick, Mary, Vangie, Kathy, Toni, Steven and Vicky, as well as many other cousins in Samos, Greece. Additional survivors include four nieces, three nephews and several godchildren. A brother, Nick Thomas, preceded her in death.
Despite her illness, Tomme?s sweet spirit and sense of humor remained, and her departure leaves a large void in the hearts of all those who knew and loved her.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to St. George Foundation, 2101 N.W. 145th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73134.
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