Athena Critikos Gazes Obituary

Athena Critikos Gazes

Charleston - Athena Critikos Gazes, widow of Peter Christopher Gazes, MD, went to be with her beloved Jesus on January 10, 2026. The relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral service on Monday, January 19, 2026, at 11:00am at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity. Interment will follow at Live Oak Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 10:30am – 11:00am, with a Trisagion Service at 10:45am. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr Funeral Home, Inc. - Downtown Chapel.

Athena Critikos Gazes was born on June 28, 1926, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She attended Huey Elementary school, Holmes Jr. High School, and Drexel Institute of Technology. She married Peter Christopher Gazes, MD on June 1,1947 at Saint George Greek Orthodox Church in Philadelphia Pa. Peter and Athena moved to Charleston in 1949, where they raised their three daughters: Hope, Cathy, and Joanne.

Athena was very involved both in her church, which she dearly loved, and her Medical Auxiliary work. Beginning in 1954, she faithfully served as chairman of many Medical Auxiliary committees and became Charleston County President of the Medical Society Auxiliary in 1961. Ultimately after years of service, in 1968 she became State President of the SC Medical Association Alliance. She was passionately dedicated to supporting her husband, Dr. Peter Gazes, as well as growing a strong alliance of support for the medical field and as an advocate for health. In her Charleston community she was Chairman of the first County Heart Fund.

Athena was also involved in the community through her leadership in the Garden Club of Charleston. An avid gardener herself she could be seen spending endless days in her garden creating a masterpiece of color and inspiration.

Although she was active in her community, her church was her first love. She taught Bible studies at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity and in 1991 started the first Library at the church ensuring that parishioners had access to resources to deepen their faith. She also established the Prayer Ministry for the parish. To further that end, she led spiritual renewal seminars. She was a member of the national Philoptochos Society and President of the local St. Irene chapter at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. On a national level, she was a member of The Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100.

Athena lived by the Serenity prayer written by Reinhold Niebuhr: "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." The family expresses their appreciation to the caregivers at Franke at Seaside, the caregivers of Bishop Gadsden at Home, and to Lutheran Hospice.

Athena is survived by her three daughters, Hope Gazes Grayson (Michael), Cathy Gazes Cline (Ty) of Charleston, and Joanne Gazes Ellison (Blount) of Mt. Pleasant, 11 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rev. Nicholas C. Trivelas Library, Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity, 34 Race Street, Charleston, SC 29403 or Drawing Near to God Ministry, PO Box 1274, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29465.

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