Despina “Dee” (Salmas) Savides, 96, Served in Navy WAVES During World War II

Despina “Dee” (Salmas) Savides, 96, passed away Saturday, at Haverhill Crossings.

Born in Haverhill, Savides was the daughter of the late Anastes and Elaine (Mirmigelis) Salmas. She was married to the late Christos “Chris” Savides for 56 years before his passing. She lived in Washington, D.C., Indiana, New Jersey, and Connecticut before returning to Haverhill.

She graduated from Haverhill High School in 1940 and served in the Navy WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) in Washington, during and after World War II. It was there, she met Chris at a Greek social function. She graduated from Wilfred School of Cosmetology in 1947 and Winslow Secretarial School in 1950. Savides was an avid oil painter, and enjoyed ceramics, knitting, crochet, Scrabble, Bible study, yoga, gardening, the beach and taking walks.

With Chris, Savides was dedicated to the Greek Orthodox church. She volunteered as a first grade Sunday School teacher for 40 years, first at Saint George Greek Orthodox Church in Piscataway, N.J., then at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Bridgeport, Conn. She started a food drive at Holy Trinity and chaired it for many years and volunteered at every Greek Festival. Most recently, she was a member of the Holy Apostles Saints Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church in Haverhill.

She is survived by her two sons, Michael “Mike” Savides and his wife, Maryof Greenfield, Ind., and Nicholas “Nick” Savides and girlfriend, Zoey O’Toole of Brooklyn, N.Y.; grandchildren, Athena Savides, Kimberly Savides and Christine Savides; nieces and nephews; and grand nieces and nephews. Besides her late husband, she was preceded in death by her brother James Salmas, and sisters Thelma Christopher, Mary Rallis, Angelina”Angie” Chipouras, and Theodora “Dora” Karabetsos

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her calling hours Friday June 22, from 5 to 8 p.m., at H.L. Farmer and Sons Funeral Home, 106 Summer St., Haverhill. Her funeral is Saturday, June 23, beginning at 10 a.m. at the funeral home followed by a funeral service at the Holy Apostles Saints Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church 154-156 Winter St., Haverhill. Burial follows in the Linwood Cemetery, Haverhill. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dee’s name to the Holy Apostles Saints Peter & Paul Greek Orthodox Church 154-156 Winter Street, Haverhill 01830.