Athena V. (Cox) Duddy

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla./BANGOR – Athena Cox Duddy fell asleep in the Lord on June 24, 2024, surrounded by family following a brief illness in St. Augustine Florida at the age of 91. Athena was born March 23, 1933, and spent most of her life in Bangor. She is survived by her loving and supportive husband of 21 years, William Duddy, whom she reconnected with after 50 years, following the death of both of their spouses.

She successfully raised four children in Bangor and lovingly shared her life and supported her first husband of 38 years, John H. Cox (d. 1995) as Mayor of Bangor and State Senator.

Athena grew up in Bangor, attended local schools, and earned her associate degree from Husson College. Athena worked as the school secretary for Abraham Lincoln Elementary School in Bangor for almost three decades. Athena was proud of her Greek heritage and was a lifelong supporter of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Bangor and Holy Trinity Church in St. Augustine.

Athena was known to all as incredibly outgoing, loveable, cheerful, and sincere. She was truly a “happy soul” with a contagious smile and gentle face who always had a good time. She was active in many social, charitable and church organizations. Athena relished spending summers at camp on Green Lake where she could watch family and friends enjoy many activities.

Athena was predeceased by her first husband, John H. Cox; and her brothers and their wives, Steven Vafiades (Mary), Lewis Vafiades (Marian), Venizelos Vafiades (Geddy) and Nicholas Vafiades (Dee).

She is survived by her four children, Kevin Cox (Sherri) of Ellsworth, John W. Cox (Debbie) of Portland, Thomas J. Cox (Catherine) of Valley Forge, Pa., and Karen J. Cox Silva (James) of St. Augustine, Fla. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Callie Cox, John A. Cox, John T. Cox, and Daniel T. Cox; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to call from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Monday, July 1 at the St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 90 Sanford St., Bangor, ME 04401. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. at the church, followed by interment at the City Section of Mt. Hope Cemetery, with Rev. Leo Schefe officiating.

For the full obituary or to express condolences to the family, visit BrookingsSmith.com.

Contributions are welcome to the St. George Church Memorial Fund in Athena’s name.

Athena V. (Cox) Duddy