WORCESTER-Thomaidha “Edith” (Tasi) Andrews, 95 of Worcester passed into the arms of God, Friday, January 12th. During her final days her family sat in vigil and reminisced of the many years of a wonderful life well lived. Her beloved husband, Vasil “Victor” Andrews died in 1972. She leaves her son, Arthur and his wife, Adele Andrews of Vero Beach, FL; her daughter, Shirley Van Vleck of Worcester; 5 grandchildren, Brenda A. wife of Stephen Ennis of Oxford, E. Victor Van Vleck of Barre, Shirley Baker of Cherry Valley, Tristan Andrews of Cambridge and Cristiana Andrews of New York City; 3 great-grandchildren, Molly Ennis, Zackary Van Vleck and Justin Baker who were her ultimate joy and spoiled them every chance she could. Thomaidha also leaves many nephews and nieces here and in Korce. A daughter Violet Andrews died in 2005. 3 brothers, Demetri, Androniqi and Charles Tasi and 2 sisters Poli Pano and Anastasi Tasi predeceased her.
She was born in Korce, Albania the daughter of Koli and Angelina Tasi. At the age of 11 she and her family immigrated to Worcester. Thomaidha was a stitcher at H&H Brown Shoe and Davey’s Handbags in Worcester. Mrs. Andrews was a life long member of St. Mary’s Assumption Albanian Orthodox Church, its Daughter’s of St. Mary and its Women’s Guild. She was a strong supporter of the church for many years, and relied on her great faith daily.
She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt and friend. Mrs. Andrews loved to travel and enjoyed her trips to Bermuda, Las Vegas, Hawaii, Florida and Canada. Her masterful handwork was admired by many and cherished by her family as it will be passed on to future generations. She celebrated the many traditions of the “Old Country” with great pride and prepared the finest of dinners. Thomaidha loved to entertain with family and friends, and no one was ever in a hurry to leave the dining room table. We would be gathered for hours talking, singing and laughing about stories from the Old Country. She understood the simplicity of life and took great pride in her home, gardens and had a great eye for style and class.
When Thomaidha celebrated her 90th, her children surprised her with a party. Mayor Ray Mariano presented her with a Key to the City, and praised her for her love of Worcester and devotion to her family and friends, making her feel like queen for a day. She will be remembered for her joy of life, terrific sense of humor, dedication to hard work and great love for her adoring family. She will be missed by all.
It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things ~ Love Never Fails.
The funeral is Wednesday, January 17th from O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue with a service at 11:00 AM in St. Mary’s Assumption Albanian Orthodox Church, 535 Salisbury Street. Burial will be in Hope Cemetery. Calling hours are Tuesday, January 16th from 6:00 until 8:00 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Eastern Orthodox Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 300 Barber Avenue, Worcester, MA 01606 or to the charity of your choice. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the entire nursing and hospice staff for the loving care given.