Athena Moran

Obituary of Athena Moran

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Athena Moran, born September 10, 1921 in New Bedford, MA. Passed away October 27, 2003 in Stockton at the age of 82. Athena, the mythical goddess of victory, was aptly chosen to be the insignia of the original Women's Army Corps during the 2nd World War. It was almost predestined that Athena Moran, then Athena Joanides, born of Greek parentage in New Bedford, Mass., would be one of the first volunteers in the newly formed Women's Army Corps. Mrs. Moran enlisted in the Women's Army Corps March 30, 1943 and received an Honorable Discharge on November 23, 1945 having held the position of Aircraft Loading Technician, Aircraft Mission Plotting. She earned the WAAC Service Ribbon in Normandy, European Middle Eastern Service Medal with Bronze Star, WWII Service Ribbon and was a Charter Member of Women in Military Service Memorial. While serving in England in the 8th Army Corps under General Eisenhower, Athena met and married Frank Moran, then a pilot based at the London air field where she was stationed. After a brief honeymoon in Scotland she was discharged and waited in New Bedford until her husband returned from overseas. Frank was finally discharged from the Stockton field in 1947 and the best years of their lives lay ahead. Athena, always working to help in the lean years, still managed to raise three children; sons Jeffrey Frank Moran, and Christopher Vance Moran, and daughter; Pamela JoAnn Moran. Daughter Pamela, born retarded, was thought a tragedy at that time but proved to be a victory for Athena. When Pam was a year old a local television show asked for community support for retarded children and adults. Little did the Morans know that one day Pam would be attending the activity center that at that time was only a dream. Athena spent her energies in affairs which benefited both her family and the community. She took part in the Lincoln School P.T.A., she became a den mother for the Cub Scouts. She worked tirelessly for the community, working to pass bonds for the new police facility, the sewer bond and the Lincoln Unified School District. When her children were at a "leaveable" age she took the job of Pixie Woods Director and raised the bulk of the money for the merry-go-round. After a short retirement, with nothing to do but house and garden work, the opportunity came to Athena to become the Executive Director of a then not too well known health agency, the "Easter Seal Society of San Joaquin County". A position she held for over 20 years. From the beginning, Athena had a special compassion for children, for the sick and injured, for those in need and for the elderly. Now at last she had the capability and the means to put in motion the drive and force needed to enlighten the public in the needs and goals of disabled persons. Through her efforts she introduced new programs including the architectural barrier-free advocacy plan, resocialization programs for stroke victims, and the dial-a-ride program. She developed the "travel card" which was the pioneer for the handicapped placard now used statewide. Athena and her husband Frank were completely consumed by Easter Seal work. Along with a daily routine there were many special events, both evenings and weekends. A true practicing Christian and member of St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church, serving with the Daughters of Penelope and the Philoptochos Society. Athena never started her day without prayer for her family and loved ones and a rededication to her work. She put her trust in God, and it really worked for her, especially when she was working to help others. Her greatest effort and the culmination of a 5 year plan is the Easter Seal Therapeutic Center. Athena leaves to cherish her memory her husband; Frank E. Moran of Stockton, sons; Jeffrey Frank Moran of Sacramento and Christopher Vance Moran of Gilroy, sisters; Anna Burns of Palm Desert, and Despina Dramby of Escondido, brother; John Joanides of Michigan, grandchildren; Amber Moran of Sacramento, Brian Moran of Stockton, and Nicholas and Jonothan Moran of Gilroy. She was preceded in death by her parents; Constantine and Katherine Joanides, brother; Jack Joanides, and daughter; Pamela JoAnn Moran. Friends may visit Wednesday from Noon until 8 p.m. and Thursday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Lodi Funeral Home, 725 S. Fairmont Ave., Lodi, and are invited to attend a Trisagion Service on Thursday at 7 p.m. at St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church, 920 W. March Lane. The Funeral Service will be held on Friday at St. Basil at 1 p.m. with interment at Cherokee Memorial Park immediately following. Lodi Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
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Athena Moran

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Athena Moran

1921 - 2003

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