Athanasia G. Manikas

Sacramento, California - It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Athanasia Manikas, a beloved member of the Sacramento Greek community. She departed this life peacefully surrounded by her daughter, Exaveria (Rula), son, John, and daughter-in-law, Gina. 

Athanasia was born on July 14, 1929 in Velo, Corinth, Greece. She and her husband, George, immigrated to the United States to pursue the American dream. Athanasia quickly became regionally famous for her Greek culinary creations, including handmade phyllo. Ultimately, her talent became a success in starting a small catering business right out of her kitchen. Over the years, many families enjoyed her “take-out” service. She continued this business while providing “Prosforo” (holy bread) for the church every Sunday. 

In the 1970’sand 80’s, she taught Greek cuisine at William Glen and established a larger catering clientele. Her food was enjoyed by many celebrities, including US Presidents and California Governors. She will be remembered by many as “Yiayia”, Greek for grandmother. 

Athanasia enjoyed 50 years as a member of the Daughters of Penelope Artemis Chapter 5, as well as Philoptochos, Annunciation Senior League (ASL), GAPA and the Annunciation Greek Cookbook.

Athanasia is now reunited with her husband, George John Manikas, brother, Haralambos Bravou. She is survived by her loving daughter, Exaveria (Rula), son, John (Gina), adored grandsons that were the light of her life, George and Antonios, sister, Marie Bravou, and nephew, John T. Manikas. 

The Trisagion will be held at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Sacramento on Wednesday, June 19th at 6:00 pm. A funeral service will be held at Annunciation on Thursday, June 20th at 10:30 am followed by a Makaria (remembrance lunch). The interment will be private and take place at 1:30pm at the East Lawn Memorial Park in East Sacramento. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Memorial in memory of Athanasia Manikas https://pushpay.com/g/annunciationsac.