On August 27, 2018, Thalia Hondrogen (Stavros), 93, a lifelong resident of Concord, and the loving mother of five, died peacefully with family by her side in San Rafael, CA.

Thalia was the first born of four children and grew up with her brothers and sister on Center Street. Her parents, George and Caliope (Siatravans) Stavros immigrated from Greece in the early 1900's. In 1942 she graduated from Concord High School and then worked at local banks and volunteered with the USO. She volunteered as a reading teacher and librarian at Broken Ground School, and later volunteered at the Concord Senior Center.

Thalia was Immersed in Greek culture both at home and at the church where her parents were founding members. At Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church she taught Sunday school, sang in and sometimes directed the choir, and for many years she lead the Ladies Philoptochos Society. In 2000, she was recognized by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese for her outstanding and lifelong service. She was proud of her heritage and loved Greek culture, cuisine, language, dancing, and being of service to her community.

In 1949 Thalia married Nicholas Hondrogen of Manchester. They settled into an old, farmhouse at 78 Mountain Rd. in East Concord. In that house, which they renovated themselves, they raised their five children. Each spring, Thalia and Nick planted a large and bountiful vegetable garden. Their garden inspired Thalia's cooking. She was an excellent cook and baker specializing in traditional Greek cuisine. Her canning, drying, and cold storage could sustain the family throughout the winter months. They hosted many large family gatherings and the old farmhouse was the hub for their extended family, especially during the holidays. Thalia was also a long time member of the East Concord Garden Club and there were always flowers in and around her home.

While tending her garden and raising her children Thalia also cared for her mother-in-law, Katherin, who lived with them for ten years. She also cared for her mother, Caliope; sister-in-law Aphrodite Kearns; helped out any friend or neighbor in need; and supported the elders in the church.

Thalia loved the outdoors and imparted this love to her children. She skied both downhill and cross-country into her late 80s. She loved the ocean and body surfed at Salisbury Beach with her family. She continued her love of the cold Atlantic, body surfing with her grandchildren at Wells Beach, Maine. She fully appreciated and was grateful for the beauty she found in life and in nature. Thalia took wonder in wildlife. She enjoyed watching the birds outside her kitchen, and she was delighted when she met the neighborhood moose.

As Thalia became less independent, she spent a few years living with her children. In the last months of her life she lived at L'Chaim House in San Rafael, CA where she received daily visits from her children and their families; all of whom are grateful for the wonderful care and support of the staff.

Thalia made friends everywhere she went, and we will all miss her optimism, gracious style, her charm, and her beauty.

After 48 years of marriage, Thalia was widowed when Nicholas died in 1997. In 2007 her eldest son, Nicholas Jr. died. Now she leaves her brothers: Arthur and his wife Dawn Stavros of Canterbury; Dino Stavros of Kennebunkport, ME; and her sister Bessie and her husband, Douglas Perthel of Boulder City, NV. Thalia also leaves her children, John (Ann Sartwell) of Pelham, MA; granddaughters, Kathrine (Andrew Peterson) and Terra; Althea of San Francisco; Penelope (Scott Tseckares) of San Anselmo, CA, and granddaughter Melina; Dina (Clark Cole), grandchildren Cosmo and Demeter of Alameda, CA; and many nephews and nieces.

Calling hours will be from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, September 7 at Waters Funeral Home 50 South Main Street, Concord.  The Trisagion service will be at 5 PM

The funeral mass will take place on Saturday, September 8 at 11 AM at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 68 North State Street, Concord.

Burial to follow at Blossom Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Thalia's name to Hospice by The Bay, 17 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Larkspur, CA 94939.