Nena K. Valavanes, 84, of Lancaster, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at Lancaster General Hospital surrounded by her loving family.  Born in the village of Pyli on the island of Kos, Greece, Nena was the daughter of the late Nicolas and Domnitsa (Papademetriou) Karpouzis.

She was the wife of the late Andrew James Valavanes who died in 1973. They resided at their beloved home on 1752 Wheatland Ave. In 1987 Nena was welcomed into the home of her daughter Andrea and son-in-law Dr. Spencer Phillips, where she happily resided until the present.

Nena was a 1946 J.P. McCaskey graduate.

She was a former executive secretary for Burnham Corp.

An active member of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Nena was President of the Philoptochos Society for 16 years, Bazaar Pastry Chairperson for more than 30 years, a charter member of Daughters of Penelope, and a member of the Pan Coan Society. She was also a member of Lancaster General Hospital Auxiliary, and group leader for White Star Tours travel agency.  She was an avid reader and supporter of Lancaster County Library.

Nena enjoyed working with her brothers and family at the Capt'n Gus' Steak Shop, loved picking Horta and making applesauce for her family and friends, visiting the sick in nursing homes, and cherished her family, especially her grandchildren.

Surviving Nena are her daughters, Andrea V., wife of Dr. Spencer Phillips, of Lancaster, and Dore V., wife of Gus Photis of Lancaster, 6 grandchildren; Christina fiancé of Eric Mattson, Andrew, Kelly Konstantina, Blanca, Caroline Nena, and Gerardo, sister, Barbara K. Valavanes, and brother, Captain Gus Karpouzis, both of Lancaster, 6 beloved grand nieces and grand nephews, Brandon, Shayne, Brittany, Nicolas, Varah, and Michael. Nieces, Phyllis, wife of Brian Rothweiler, Janie, wife of Bob Marrow and Nancy Val, wife of Kosta Kambouroglos, and nephew, Nicky G. Karpouzis were like children to her. Her godchildren held a special place in her heart. In addition to her parents and husband, Nena was preceded in death by her brother, Andrew "Andy" Karpouzis in 2011.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the Funeral Service on Thursday, December 22, 2011 at 10AM at The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church 64 Hershey Ave. Lancaster, PA 17603 with Rev. Alex Goussetis, Rev. Alexander Veronis, and Rev.Hector Firoglanis officiating. Viewings will be held on Wednesday (TONIGHT) from 6-9PM, with a Trisagion Service at 7:30PM and again on Thursday from 9-10AM all at the church. Interment will be in Conestoga Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Nena's memory to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church and or to the Philoptochos Society both addresses 64 Hershey Ave. Lancaster, PA 17603. To send the family an online condolence, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory 717-393-9661