Joan Troyanos Steele's Obituary
Joan Troyanos Steele departed this life on Thursday, Feb 7, in Longview, Texas. Joan was born on Sept. 3, 1928, in New York City, to Stephen and Mary Troyanos. As a first-generation American, she was fiercely patriotic. Joan graduated from college with a degree in nursing and began a long career in helping others through her nursing skills. Her service career included being a charge nurse, supervisor, and nursing instructor at the college level, as well as hospice nursing. After retirement, she continued serving others as a volunteer for hospice. She also, in retirement, moved to Florida for a number of years because she was an adventurer who enjoyed new experiences. When she returned to Texas, she settled in Longview. In life, Joan was dedicated to her family and to continuing her missionary efforts in establishing and furthering new Orthodox churches. She delighted in painting and quilting, in gardening and enjoying opera, and in life. She was preceded in death by her parents and by two sisters, Martha and Sondra. Joan is survived by her husband of more than thirty years, Jimmie; by four daughters and their husbands, Xenia and Harvey Durham of Longview, Paula and Kris Tilker of Wichita Falls, Claudia and Constantine Bouras of Rowlett, and Lydia and Nick Paraskevas of Dallas; by three sons and their wives, Tom and Carol Zolnerowich of Mesquite, Greg and Brandys Zolnerowich of Manhattan, KS., and Stephen and Samia Zolnerowich of Olney, MD. Other survivors include two brothers and their wives, Bill and Dorothy Troyanos of Beverly Hills, FL., and Jerry and Susan Troyanos of Scottsdale, AZ., as well as a sister, Theodora Thomas of Denver, CO. Additional survivors include 22 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, numerous nieces and nephews, as well as her stepchildren and their spouses, Susan and Joseph Cayo of Beloiit, WI., Wade and Sandy Steele of Oklahoma, Eddie and Deeanna Steele of Virginia Beach, VA., Jimmie Jr. and Lanell Steele of Arlington, Kathye Haston of Grand Prairie, Gayle Cearley of Weatherford, and adopted daughter Terri Thomas of Weatherford. A prayer service will be held at 7 PM on Tuesday, February 12, at St. Seraphim Orthodox Cathedral in Dallas, followed by a family visitation. The funeral service will be at 9:30 AM on Wednesday, February 13, at St. Seraphim. Following the funeral service, a graveside service and burial will be at Restland Memorial Park in Dallas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John of Damascus Orthodox Church Building Fund, 11224 CR 1113, Tyler TX 75709. Joan was a vibrant soul well loved who will be missed. May her memory be eternal.
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