Zafera Bartz

22 May 2023

On May 22, 2023, Presvytera Zafera (nee George)) Bartz, age 96, of Akron, Ohio, fell asleep in the Lord. Born to Vasilios and Paraskevi Hadgigeorge on January 6, 1927, in Youngstown, Ohio, as the youngest of three children.

After graduating from East High School, Zafera attended the newly established Saint Basil Academy in Garrison, New York, becoming a member of the first graduating class in 1948. She married George Nicholas Bartz on June 27, 1948. After his ordination to the priesthood, Father George and Presvytera Zafera became a loving, supportive couple and devoted their entire life to serving the Greek Orthodox Church.

Presvytera Zafera was a lifelong member of the Ladies Philoptochos Society, taught Greek School, taught and was co-director of Sunday School, participated in the quilt project, member of the Parish's Décor Committee, and sang in the Church choir. She assisted in the establishment of the Orthodox Christian Women of Akron.

She is survived by her four children, Zoe McClish, Father William Bartz (Emily), Pam Plumis (Paul), and Nicole Keares (Father Costas). She is preceded in death by her husband, Father George N. Bartz, her son-in-law, Daniel McClish, and great grandchild Danielle McClish. She adored and loved her grandchildren, Robert McClish (Tammy), Father Jonathan McClish (Elyse); Joanna Nicolaides (Evan), Maria Bartz, George Bartz (Katherine); Katherine Dikeakos (Vasilios), Kristina Plumis, George Plumis (Courteney); Peter Keares, Christina Keares; and her great grandchildren, Daniel McClish; Emilia, John, and Magdalena Nicolaides; Reagan Bartz; Panagiotis and Anastasia Dikeakos; and Eleni Plumis; George McClish; and many nieces and nephews.

Presvytera Zafera's strong faith, grace, kindness, and love endeared her to parishioners and friends alike. She will be dearly missed by many and memories of her will forever be cherished.

Her family would like to thank her caregivers Lynn, Laura, Florica, Paula, and Linda, along with Hospice and her nurse Melissa for their loving care and compassion.

On Thursday, May 25, visitation will be from 5 - 8 pm with a Trisagion Service at 7 pm in Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Akron, Ohio. The funeral service will be at 11 am on Friday, May 26, in Annunciation Church. Interment to follow at Mount Peace Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Presvytera Zafera Bartz to Rev. George N. and Presvytera Zafera Bartz Camp Scholarship Fund, Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 129 South Union Street, Akron, Ohio 44304.