Genevieve Jean Tharenos

Tharenos, Genevieve Jean (nee Christakis), passed away, Friday, July 18, 2025. Becky was a caring and loving wife, mother, homemaker, friend, and volunteer. She never lied, always spoke the truth whether you wanted to hear it or not, and never compromised when telling you how she felt. She was always busy with something, yet she was never too busy for friends and family. Born Genevieve Jean Christakis on April 29, 1936, to John and Anastasia Christakis (Lavedas) in Gary, Indiana, Becky was destined to be industrious. She developed a love of cooking and sewing at an early age by her mother's side, and a passion for gardening with her immigrant father, studying closely the recipes of her Greek heritage. These skills she carried with her throughout life, becoming a resident expert seamstress, cook, upholsterer, and keeper of all things green inside and out, sharing her family recipes and hosting gatherings. Her legacy spans far beyond the home. Encouraged by her mother to pursue a college degree, Becky captivated fellow Purdue student Nicholas Tharenos with her radiant beauty and unyielding wit. The two started their married lives together on the army base in Fort Eustis Virginia and went on to have three sons over 67 years of marriage. She supported her husband's career, working various jobs and relocating from St. Louis to Grosse Pointe Park, Boulder, and back. She made sure her three rambunctious boys always had a hot meal, a ride to hockey, and were always encouraged to do their best. While also having her own career working in a factory when young and as an administrative assistant at NBI and Citi, Becky enlivened whatever community she was a part of, whether it be a bowling league, golf, dance or theater club, knitting for charity, or St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church festivals and Philoptochos, she put her heart into everything she did. She had many adventures traveling the world from Europe, Asia, Australia, to Hawaii and the Far North, sharing many of these memories with her children and grandchildren. However, some of her favorite moments were her winters with her “second family and home” in Maui and spending time with her grandchildren. Becky passed away peacefully, during the night of July 17, 2025, surrounded by family, after a brave and stubborn triumph over two varieties of cancer. The memory of her strength, hilarity, and energy for life will live on in her brother Lee Christakis; her husband Nick; her sons Michael (Barbara), David (Ann), and Anthony (Alice); her grandchildren Adam, Alexandra, Kaitlyn, Tiffany, Nicholas, and Athena; her great grandchildren Ada and Thea; as well as in the many lives she has touched through friendships and community service. In lieu of flowers, we invite you to support the St. Nicholas Family Life Center. Click here to make a donation to the Next 100. Services: Funeral service Wednesday, July 23, 2025, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 4967 Forest Park Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108, 10 a.m. with visitation beginning 9 a.m. until time of service. Interment, Bellerive Gardens Cemetery. A service of the Schrader Funeral Home and Crematory.

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Genevieve Jean Tharenos

April 29, 1936 - July 18, 2025