Athena Costas Harmon

Athena Costas Harmon, affectionately known as “Yaya” to her grandchildren and “Nuly” to her closest friends and family, was born on April 25, 1935, in Youngstown, Ohio. She peacefully departed this world on November 22, 2024, in Westerville, Ohio, surrounded by her loving family who faithfully escorted her into God’s loving arms.

Athena’s life was a tapestry of love, dedication, and joy. She was the cherished daughter of Nicholas and Stella Costas and the beloved sister of Jim and Jennie Costas, Bill and Julie Costas, and Helen and Peter Asimakopoulos. She married her loving husband, Lester “Bud” Harmon, a proud United States Navy Veteran, on August 30, 1984, in Canfield, Ohio.

A valedictorian of Liberty High School, Athena shone brightly both academically and athletically, playing on the girls’ basketball team. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life (except occasionally on windy days), and she was an active member of St. John’s Greek Orthodox Church in Youngstown, Ohio. Athena found solace and joy in her winter retreats to Naples, Florida, where she loved snoozing on her lanai in the warmth of the morning sun and preparing Greek holiday feasts for her family.

Yaya’s family was her greatest treasure. She was a devoted mother to Dean and Janie Fliotsos, Steli and Dr. Tim Buchanan, David and Linda Harmon, Jill Harmon, Todd and Shari Harmon, and Kelli Harmon McDevitt. Her grandchildren, Dr. Ben and Bethany Buchanan, Alexandra and Ben Crock, Luke and Katy Buchanan, Alaina Fliotsos, Dr. Nick and Drew Buchanan, Melina Fliotsos, and Dean Fliotsos, along with cherished nieces and nephews and her great-grandchildren, Angelina Athena Buchanan and Damon Nikos Buchanan were the light and love of her life.

Yaya’s passions were as vibrant as her spirit. She delighted in her “Deeeserts,” especially Graeter’s Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip ice cream and truly anything with chocolate. She loved the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra, Manhattans, and Lemon Drop martinis. Her culinary skills were legendary, and she could teach a master class in Greek cuisine, a tribute to her own mother’s delicious homemade recipes.

A gifted seamstress, Athena’s quilts, needlepoint, and knitting were works of art, with several of her original quilts adorning the walls of a local medical office in Westerville, Ohio. Her sense of humor was infectious, and she was known for her feisty, spunky, and incredibly fun-loving nature. She cherished her time in her sewing and bridge clubs, where her laughter and camaraderie were treasured by all.

 Yaya’s zest for life was evident in her love for parties with her family, sunsets on the beach, and sipping Manhattans while enjoying mezze in Naples, Florida, with her children and grandchildren by her side. Steli, her daughter, lovingly remembers her mom “as my best friend who taught me to be strong and resilient, yet always a lady. She was so beautiful with a kind and loving heart. She was generous, selfless, and above all, fun-loving.” Dean, her son, treasures his mom as “more than just a loving mom. She was a teacher of values, morales, manners, and appreciation for what we had. She was a supporter and coach to us to make our own decisions (good or bad!) and to follow our dreams. She gave us her unconditional love.”

Athena found immense comfort and joy in music, especially in the song “September Morn” by Neil Diamond. She cherished the lyrics of “You Raise Me Up,” as beautifully sung by her favorite artist, Josh Groban: “You raise me up so I can stand on mountains, You raise me up to walk on stormy seas, I am strong when I am on Your shoulders, You raise me up to be more than I can be.”

Athena Costas Harmon leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who were blessed enough to know her and love her. We are grateful to Capital City Hospice for their loving care. 

In lieu of flowers, if desired, donations can be to made to Capital City Hospice (Capitalcityhospice.com) or mail to Capital City Hospice, 2800 Corporate Exchange Drive, Suite 170, Columbus, Ohio 43231.

In honor of her life and precious memories, a Celebration of Life Service is planned for December 27, 2024 at 5:00 PM in the chapel at Central College Presbyterian Church. 

May our Sweet Yaya rest in eternal peace!