By Deana Jannetides
On May 9, 2024 we gathered to honor the life of Elaine Helen Jannetides. She was born on September 28, 1936, in Indianapolis, IN, to James and Eugenia Velonis and was raised learning both Greek and English in a Greek/American home.
She had four brothers. Nicholas Velonis (April 25, 1935 -1969), Haral J. Velonis (1942-1943), Chris Veonis, (July 4, 1943), and George Velonis (1951-2005).
Elaine went home to be with Jesus on April 29, 2024, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was a cherished friend, a devoted wife, and a remarkable mother. She lived a life filled with adventures. After graduating from Shortridge High School in 1955, she attended beauty school and worked in a beauty salon to earn college money so she could fulfill her dream of becoming a nurse. She was an active member of the Greek Orthodox Church, where she met the love of her life, Nick Jannetides. He thought she was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. Before shipping out to fight the war in Korea, he made a promise to himself to return. He told her he wanted to marry her when he came back to which she agreed. He kept his promise and on August 26, 1956, they were married.
She was a loving mother of four children and caring for them even after they were grown. She was godmother to John and Tina Pappas and Nick Hamstra. She taught Sunday school at Holy Trinity Hellenic Orthodox Church from the 1970s to 1990s, she was an example to her children and other young children to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. Her love for God shined through everything she did. Her oldest daughter, Ginger, looked up to her for Godly guidance. She and her husband Del started The Christian Center church in 1980 and pastor it to this day.
Elaine’s adventures were not always adventures she taught valuable principles and led by example with Nick her husband of 67 years. They had many businesses through their lives, In 1971, Nick invested in a “sweet” investment deal that would allow them to work together and build a foundation for their future. He took a gamble on purchasing two Baskin-Robbins ice cream franchises. Some of their favorite memories were Elaine’s passion for art by decorating all kinds of cakes for birthday parties and all other joyful events. Along with the stores and many stories, they had a Baskin Robbin’s conversion ice cream trailer they would set up and serve 31 flavors and treats at different fairs and other events. They loved taking their grandchildren and showing them just how to enjoy ice cream of every kind.
In 1995, Nick and Elaine decided to retired from the ice cream business. Greeks don’t retire, and Elaine was not the type to sit around, so she joined the accounting department at University Loft Company, her son, James’ business. Her presence illuminated the lives of all who knew her, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts.
Later, Elaine and Nick became snowbirds traveling to Saint Petersburg, Florida where she pursued another passion – writing.
She embarked on another path and became an accomplished author with the publication of the hardcover book, A Golden Bond, published by Tom and Adriane Doherty’s publishing company, Blue River Press. They travelled around for book signing events and celebrated Elaine ‘s legacy.
She carried the light and brought it with her into this world, spreading love and kindness wherever she would go. She loved family and entertaining her family and friends by often cooking delicious Greek meals and entertain for holidays, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas’s, they were all her favorite.
Elaine was predeceased by her parents, James and Eugenia Velonis, her brothers Nicholas, Haral, and George Velonis, and her son, Jordan (Don) Jannetides.
She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 67 years Nick, her loving children Eugenia (Ginger) Bock and husband Del, Adriane Doherty and husband Tom, James Jannetides and wife Deana. She adored her seven beautiful grandchildren that made her the best Yia Yia, they brought her the greatest joy on the earth, Marissa Alice Doherty, Thomas Neco Doherty, James Nickalas Jannetides and wife Nikki, MaKenna Elaine Doherty, Alexander Michael Jannetides and wife Megan, Gabriella Michelle Jannetides, Addyson Grace Jannetides.
Elaine adored her little brother Chris Velonis, he said she was his and his brother Nick’s guardian angel. She also dearly loved her sister-in-law, Barbara and their children, and her many other nieces and nephews.
Though she may no longer walk among us, her spirit will forever live on in the memories we hold dear. Though she may have departed, her impact will endure for generations to come. Rest in peace dearest Elaine. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten.