Penelope Foudeas

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Penelope Foudeas. There will be a Trisagion service in the Cathedral of the Annunciation in Columbus on Thursday, April 1 at 3pm followed by viewing of the funeral service in Alaska at 4pm in the Reception Hall.

A native of Anchorage, Alaska, Penelope came to Ohio State in 2017 to study Psychology with a Minor in Modern Greek Studies. Over the course of her undergraduate career, she took a range of classes in Modern Greek language and culture and, with her friends, produced several memorable videos, including one documenting her father’s journey to the United States from Greece.

As a student of Modern Greek, Penelope excelled in all her courses. Her careful preparation and lively personality were always in evidence. She continued to the fifth semester, Modern Greek 4002, and earned excellent grades. With ten of her peers in the Modern Greek Program, Penelope participated in the THYESPA 2018 summer course in Modern Greek at the University of Athens. Her joyful, considerate, and responsible character cemented friendships and made the experience more enjoyable for everyone.

After graduation, she attended Case Western Reserve, pursuing a Master’s Degree in Nutrition while working as a patient care advocate at the Cleveland Clinic.

Her professors in the Modern Greek Program remember her often insightful and always enthusiastic participation in discussion, and her bright, cheerful presence in class.

She was loved and appreciated by her peers as an unusually kind and considerate person who worked well with other students and was very much a team player. An enthusiastic member of Sigma Epsilon Phi for three years, she attended meetings with passion and optimism.

Penelope’s studies in Biology reflected her longstanding interest in the field. Already in high school she aspired to a career in a biomedical field, particularly physiology. Her interest in physiology constituted an important aspect of Penelope’s life that shaped her character.

Penelope was a dancer. Having danced ballet since she was 10 years old, Penelope continued ballet at Ohio State’s distinguished Department of Dance. She did gymnastics in high school, and also danced tap, hip hop, jazz, and acrobatic dance. Contemporary dance was her favorite. She taught at the Marjorie Jones School of Dance and continued to develop as a dancer. Dance was inseparable from her personality, part of what made her such a disciplined, conscientious, but also fun, expressive, delightful, and authentic human being.

The faculty and students of the Modern Greek Program at Ohio State as well as her fellow members of Sigma Epsilon Phi will miss Penelope greatly. May her memory be eternal.

The students of Sigma Epsilon Phi in conjunction with the Modern Greek Program are establishing a fund in Penelope’s memory to provide an annual scholarship to a deserving member of Sigma Epsilon Phi. A link will soon be posted for donations to the memorial fund.

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