Obituary of Effie Zuck

Effie Amprazis Zuck, 77, of State College, passed away December 5, 2011, from heart failure while visiting her family and friends in Maryland. She was born in Trikala, Greece, March 18, 1934, a daughter of Aristides and Vasiliki Amprazis, who preceded her in death. The family immigrated to Westminster, MD, in 1946. She graduated from Westminster High School in 1954 and attended Baltimore Business College. She eloped with her high school sweetheart, James Eldred Zuck, who survives. They married in Charleston, SC, on July 30, 1955. Effie and James owned and operated a Tupperware distributorship in Southwestern Pennsylvania, from 1972 until 1990. They retired to State college to live near their four children, who survive: Leslie Karen Zuck of Spring Mills; Joni L. Arrington of Pine Grove Mills; Penelope Sandoval of Boalsburg; and James Eldred Zuck, Jr., of Boalsburg. "Retirement" was only a word to Effie. She was well known as an energetic, vibrant, and generous person and she was just as busy and active during retirement as she had been throughout her life. In her 70's, Effie earned her certification as a Master Gardener with Penn State Extension. Through the Master Gardener program, she volunteered her vast energy and expertise to beautify many local gardens and public spaces. She was a frequent winner of Best of Show for her wreaths and flowers at the Centre County Grange Fair. Effie volunteered her time to numerous organizations including Pennsylvania Certified Organic and Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture. Effie had a passion for making the world more beautiful, whether by planting flowers everywhere or by sharing nature's beauty through her floral crafts and extraordinarily green thumb. Her seasonal herb and wreath business, Effie's Common Scents, was very popular, and many of her customers became her friends as she crafted wreaths for their homes year after year. She was employed by Fox Hill Gardens in State College, until her death. She was a member of Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in State College. The world needs more caring people because we've just lost one of our most generous and thoughtful souls, whose life touched so many in so many ways. For those who visit or attend the service, consider wearing bright, cheerful attire to celebrate Effie's vibrant life. (Purple was her favorite color.) In addition to her husband and children, Effie is survived by her sister, Zoe Sirinakis of Westminster, MD; grandchildren George B. Georgiadis of Edgewater, NJ; Vasilia, Jewels and Gabriel Sandoval of State College; John Tyler Arrington of Pine Grove Mills; and Jade Cruz of Hawthorne, FL; son-in-law John Arrington of Pine Grove Mills; nieces and nephews: Dino Amphrazis, Zoe Amphrazis Roff and Vickie Turrano of New Jersey; James, Harry and Kyparissia Sirinakis of Maryland; and Dana Kenneman of New Oxford, PA. She was preceded in death by her brothers Constantinos Amphrazis, who died in infancy, and Christos Amphrazis. Contributions for a garden memorial in Effie's name may be made to Centre County Historical Society, 1001 East College Avenue, State College, PA, 16801. Friends will be received on Friday, December 9, 2011, from 2 - 4 pm and 6 - 8 pm at Koch's Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton Street, State College, PA, 16801. Trisagion service will be at 8 pm at the funeral home, immediately following visitation. Funeral service will be on Saturday, December 10, 2011, at 11 am at Holy Trinity Orthodox, 119 S Sparks Street, State College, PA, 16801. Burial following the service will be at Lutheran Cemetery in Boalsburg. Online condolences may be made at www.kochfuneralhome.com.