Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Themi Vasils (Dec 9, 1924 – Feb 6, 2026)
Themi Vasils fell asleep in the Lord Feb 6, 2026. Fiercely devoted to her Greek heritage, Ms. Vasils was an early director, volunteer, and steadfast advocate for the mission of the National Hellenic Museum. Her tireless contributions in the Museum’s earliest days were instrumental in making the Museum what it is today.
Together with Jim Mezilson, Themi led a dedicated group of volunteers who made it possible for the Museum to offer programs and welcome the public at its first home at 400 North Franklin. Themi provided the leadership and vision necessary to build the Museum into a lasting institution.
With her gentle and dignified demeanor, Themi cultivated relationships across the Greek American community and beyond, helping to ensure that the Museum would thrive and endure. She was a trusted leader during the effort to establish the Museum’s permanent home in the heart of Chicago’s historic Greektown neighborhood, building the shared commitment and momentum that made it possible.
Her legacy lives on in the Museum she helped build and in the community she so selflessly served.
May her memory be eternal.
Please view Themi Vasils’ obituary here:
