Evangeline XEROS

DUMAS, EVANGELINE May 7, 1910 - December 25, 2005. Our mother, Evangeline Dumas, left this world on the glorious day of our Saviour's birth, Dec. 25, 2005. She was born in Kimi, Evias, Greece on May 7, 1910. She was raised by her mother, Areti Xeros, and her aunt, Ann Ganosi, while her father, John Xeros, was in Chicago making a living as a Chanter in the Greek Orthodox Church. In 1938 she came to America and was unable to return to Greece because of the outbreak of World War II in Europe. She was employed with Marshall Fields and Company as a dress fitter and became well known for her self-taught talents. She was so talented that the company wanted to award her a scholarship to attend Vogue School of Design in Chicago, but she was unable to attend because the cold weather affected her health. She then moved to California for a change in climate, and it was there that she met our father, Nickolas Dumas, who had also been born in Evias. They married and moved to Portland in 1952. Evangeline came from a very talented, musical family and loved to sing with her two younger brothers, Anthony and George Xeros, in various establishments in Kimi. In Portland she was employed with Meier and Frank, as a dress fitter, and then at the Towne Shop for over 38 years. After our father died in 1972, keeping our family together was her top priority. She loved her church and the Greek community, participating in the church choir and was also a member of the Daughter's of Penelope for 20 years. She was a giving and selfless person with determination and was known to be quite outspoken. She will be sorely missed by her family and friends. Evangeline is survived by daughter, Sylvia Handris, and son-in-law, Ted Handris; son, John Dumas, and daughter-in-law, Diana Dumas; and grandchildren, Mark and Nicholas Handris, and Christopher Dumas. May her spirit be eternal. Trisagion prayer service to be held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Dec. 29, 7 p.m., and funeral services to be held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Friday, Dec. 30, 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Camp Angelos, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. Published in The Oregonian on 12/30/2005.