Today, we gather 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 three brothers Nickolas J Velonis (April 25, 1935 -1969) Chris Veonis, (July 4, 1943), 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 remarkable mother. Elaine lived a life filled with adventures she graduated from High School in 1955, attended beauty school and worked in the beauty salon to earn money to become a nurse. She was an active member of the Greek Orthodox Church, where she met her love of her life, Nick Jannetides, who was and is still an active member of the Greek Orthodox Church. 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. On August 26, 1956, they were married and raised four children.
She was a loving mother and God mother to Nick Hamstra and 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 looked up to her for Godly guidance and grew up to marry a Pastor and lead The Family Christian Center in Indianapolis.
Elaines 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 their foundation for their future and so he took a gamble on being an real estate investor of owning and operating two Baskin-Robbins ice cream stores. The first opened on 56th and Illinois Street in 1971, 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 so Elaine was not the type to sit around, she decided to join the accounting dept., at University Loft Company, her sons family 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. Her daughters family business, Cardinal Publishing Company, they picked her up and 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 Greek holidays, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas’s, they were all her favorite.
Elaine was predeceased by her parents, James and Eugenia Velonis, her brothers Nicholas Velonis and George Velonis, and her son, Jordan (Don) Jannetides.
She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 67 years Nick, Nicky J, 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 and wife Barbara and their children that made her Thea, Julia Degan and Kathy BeMiller.
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.