Elaine Michalopoulos Zermeno, 75 of Ventura, California passed away on December 23, 2021. Elaine was born in Los Angeles County to George Michalopoulos and Mary Panos on August 4, 1946. She attended St. Catherine’s Academy in Ventura and graduated from Allan Hancok College in Santa Maria with the class of 1967. She went on to attend the University of Northridge. While there, decided to reconnect with her father’s family and her love of Greece. She wrote a letter to the then Prime Minister of Greece, Georgios Papandreou explaining how she wanted to rekindle her Greek heritage. The Prime Minister, through a handwritten letter, suggested she attend an American University, Pierce College, in Athens. She spent a year at Pierce and majored in History and Languages. Her ambition at the time was to be employed with a foreign embassy.
She returned to Ventura in the early 70’s where she began working at Juvenile Hall alongside her brother Jim Michalopoulos and numerous friends. In 1973 she married the love of her life, Leon Zermeno, had 2 children and built a beautiful life in Ventura.
Since the early 70’s, Elaine was an active member of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church as well as a member of the Daughters of Penelope. She was a wonderful Mother. She was always there for her children. Above all else, Elaine wanted her children to understood the importance of higher education and to value their culture and heritage. When her children became teenagers and more independent, Leon asked her to join him in business and she became President of Gallighen Inc., one of his subsidiary companies, and she was able to put her savvy business sense to great use.
Elaine travelled the world always making sure Greece was an annual destination to visit her daughter and her beautiful family.
She is survived by her loving daughter Katherine Zermeno Khoury , son-in-law Sobhi , grandchildren whom she cherished, Nicolas (12), Leon (10) and Alessandro (6) currently residing in Brisbane, Australia. Son Steven G. Zermeno and wife Carmen of Ventura County, brother Nick and sister-in-law Pam Ewing of Arizona, her loving niece Stephanie Michalopoulos Morton of Colorado and her cousin, Dena Pappas of Arizona and Timmy, her adored dog of 12 years as well as numerous family and friends across the world. She is preceded in death by her husband, Leon Zermeno, parents George Michalopoulos, Mary Ewing and step-father Jim Ewing and her loving brother Jim Michalopoulos. Her daughter wishes to extend a special thank you to Cedars-Siani Hospital and Providence St. John’s of Santa Monica for the excellent care, compassion and to the Doctors who went above and beyond for Elaine and her daughter.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Demetrios Building fund at 5575 Santa Rosa Road, Camarillo, CA 93012.
Funeral Services will take place on Friday, January 7th at 11 am at St. Demetrios Church in Camarillo. The internment will immediately follow at Ivy Lawn in Ventura. A “makaria” or meal of blessing will occur after for close family and friends.
May her Memory be eternal.
Arrangements are under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, Ventura.