Effie and I went to the same midwifery practice. I keep thinking of a time we saw each other there and took the metro home together. It was always nice to see her in the neighborhood and elsewhere. Her warmth and presence were deeply felt.
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. Effie was loved by so many. Wishing everyone peace.
6
Ever since hearing the tragic news, I cannot shake off the knowledge that Effie, this absolutely beautiful person, is no longer with us. I met Effie in 1996 at my first job in Chicago and she easily became one of my favorite people there. We shared a love for our respective ethnicities and cooking our family’s recipes. We lost contact over the years so I was touched when she made time to see me July 2018, in Chicago, when both of us were visiting family. Effie was exactly how I remembered her: fiercely intelligent, so warm and effervescent, and incredibly generous with her love and time.
To Andrew and Melina: when I saw Effie in 2018, she spoke so lovingly and adoringly of you both. She expressed that Melina was the world to her and she loved nothing more than spending time with her little family. I remember it made me incredibly happy to know she had these two great loves in her life.
I am devastated for her family and filled with such sorrow that Effie was in pain and didn’t know extinguishing her own light would make our lives that much dimmer. Sending my deepest condolences to Andrew and Melina, the rest of her family, and everyone who knew and loved her.
7
I’ve never met this brilliant woman before, in fact i stumbled upon her while doing research for a school paper on the Smithsonian’s Open Access Initiative, I wish i could’ve thanked her for her extreme dedication and poise, The Smithsonian’s Open Access Initiative has done so many wonderful things and will continue long after her passing. Rest in Peace Effie!
6
I met Effie through my yoga classes at Capitol Hill in the early 2000s. She was one of the people who helped inspire and encourage my first yoga teacher training, and it was an epic one lasting nearly two years including intense all-day sessions and private consultations. Even though I was Effie’s yoga teacher, she also felt like an older sister to me. Five years my senior, she would always take advantage of opportunities to poke at my weak spots, usually around practicalities, just like an older sister would. I remember getting the lecture face once, but otherwise it was always in her delightful and playful way of sharing love accompanied with her beautiful smile and open heart. She did share with me about her battle with depression, and it always seemed so incongruous with her strength of character and ideals, let alone her perpetual radiance of joy that you just came to rely on. She was a real yogi, dynamic, guided by noble ideals, and impossible to capture in words. Her and Andrew’s wedding till this day stands out in both my wife’s and my memory as the most beautiful wedding we’ve ever attended because it was the most sincere expression of that sacred ceremony we’ve ever seen. We fell out of touch with each other’s lives, the last time I saw Effie was four years ago, and I’m really feeling now the force of that mistake. I am in deep prayer for her soul and for that of her family, particularly Andrew and Melina, to receive everything needed to find the strength to continue. I pray to be of service in any way possible to help shoulder the burden of this tragedy.
4
Effie and I met twice, in Paris a long time ago and then somewhere else I can't recall, except that we ran towards each other to lock into a giant hug. One of these meetings you know you have met a kindred spirit. We sent random hugs, for no reason at all. So here goes: absolutely random hugs. Sending love and those random hugs to friends and family.
6
We have such fond memories of Effie from our years on 15th St. Your front porch was like a mini town square and your house was our go-to spot for an impromptu play date, trying to talk downstairs with Melina and Marielle's combustible silliness upstairs. Effie always welcomed our family into your home when we knocked unannounced, and treated Marielle and Nick with such loving kindness and patience. We have great memories of sitting with Effie in your kitchen chatting over beers and pizza. Those years when we lived on 15th St are so special to us, and Effie is a significant part of those memories. We will miss her. With Love, Dan
4
2008, Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia, USA
Hiking, picking blueberries and camping in Dolly Sods
7
I have been thinking about Effie so much since learning this news. I met Effie when she became my yoga teacher back when she taught in the Petworth neighborhood of DC. The class was recommended by a friend who said I would totally love the teacher—and I did! Effie was the first yoga teacher who taught me how to love yoga (and yoga is now a staple of my life completely because of Effie). I was thrilled that we eventually became friends. I felt an easy connection with her— we both had studied at IU-Bloomington, were feminists, and loved adventure, cooking and quirky things. I found her spirit and energy contagious and I was very smitten by her! Effie introduced me to Tara Brach and I so enjoyed taking trips out to Bethesda with her for weekly IMCW meditations when we could. These were long drives in rush hour, and we had plenty of time to talk and share deeply. I appreciated that I could really “dig into things” with Effie. She helped me a lot emotionally during a hard time in graduate school. Other favorite memories include camping in Dolly Sods with her and Andrew and picking blueberries, many wonderful meals together, and meeting Melina when she was born.
A few years have passed since I’ve seen Effie, and this makes me feel especially sad. I carry her close to my heart, and send much love and support to Andrew, Melina, several wonderful friends who she introduced me to, and to her loving family.
5
As moms with daughters almost the same age who were very silly buddies and who had kids later in life, I treasured our talks in the alley or backyard or at a kitchen table while the girls were cooking up some mischief upstairs. Effie was one of the first ladies I knew to go confidently and gorgeously gray which made me think I could do it too. So many people have commented about her incredible choice of eyewear and fabulous statement lip color, which I also loved. Her kindness, humor, intelligence, compassion and how much she loved her family and dogs were palpable. If I needed a mom to share something with I knew she would listen and commiserate without judgement. I can’t tell you how important this support was to me. I’m so sorry we didn’t have a chance to reconnect once your family moved to Silver Spring but we see our time in NE as somewhat magical and Effie was a big reason why. All of my support and love to Andrew and Melina and all of Effie’s many friends and family that are missing her so much right now.
6
Like so many Smithsonian colleagues, I met Effie while she was at the Archives. We were both excited to see each other every day when she made her way to the Castle.
Remembering Effie in words is challenging because she was a kaleidoscope of color. Her impeccable style and grace … yes … but also in her infinite dimensions. Conversations spanned all facets of personal and professional life. She always made you feel heard and valued. She brought unparalleled curiosity, compassion, and connection to everything she did — including friendships.
She was also wonderfully quirky. Who else but Effie eats basically the same salad every day for lunch? And she was undeniably proud of her Greek heritage. When we finally welcomed a dog to our family during the pandemic, Effie met her on one of 100s of video calls. Effie was thrilled to learn her name — Feta. "You named her after my cheese!" She exclaimed. "Your cheese?" I questioned. She then sent me a photo of the two tubs of Feta cheese in her refrigerator. I quickly sent her a return photo — of the two tubs of Feta cheese in my fridge. After the laughter, the conversation drifted to the best Feta for various uses and recipes. There was always something else we pledged to discuss the next time we could connect. I so truly wish there would be a next time.
Effie, my heart aches to know that you could not feel the pure love and light you gave to the incredible community of family, friends, and colleagues you nurtured.
Sending love and peace, dear Melina, Andrew, Glenda, Terri, John, Hazel, Fig, and all who loved our remarkable friend Effie.
12
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