Prior to her retirement, Themi Vasils was Managing Director of the National Confectioners Association Chicago Office. She also served for a time as Acting President of the Association. Ms. Vasils has been an active member of the community for more than 30 years. She served the National Hellenic Museum for some 20 years in a variety of leadership roles including President of the Board of Directors. Her background in Journalism has helped her to become a published translator of short stories; also co-translator of two books by renowned Greek author Nikos Kazantzakis. Ms. Vasils has served as Director, volunteer writer and Advisor to the Editor for The Greek Star newspaper which is the oldest Greek-American newspaper, running without interruption since 1904. Her volunteer community services include working with The Greek Welfare Foundation Retirement Home project –Public Information services for the Metropolis of Chicago—Media Director for Orthodox Christian SYNERGY and for the Chicago Chapter of International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC).
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.
