Loretta B.G. (Hasapidis) Anastos

Loretta B. G. Anastos, 80, of Belmont, MA died peacefully on August 2, 2021 surrounded by her loving family.

Loretta was the proud daughter of Greek immigrants, George and Georgia Hasapidis, of Belmont. She is survived by: her husband of 53 years, Ernest Anastos; her daughter, Christine Anastos of Arlington, MA; her daughter, Laura Taylor and her husband Christopher and their children Alexandria and Anastasia of Lincoln, MA; and, her brother, William Hasapidis and his wife Patricia of Caryville, TN. She was predeceased by her brother, Nicholas Hasapidis and his wife Carol of Walpole, MA. 

She graduated from the Chamberlain School of Retailing in 1960 and began a successful career in Jordan Marsh’s Executive Training Program. Loretta enjoyed telling stories of her buying trips to New York City in the 1960s. Later in life, she resumed her retail career on a part-time basis and ran the Christmas Trim-a-Tree Department at Jordan Marsh/Macy’s. Her love of the meaning of Christmas and the decorations that accompanied this holiday was evident to many. One of her most cherished life experiences was working part-time, first in the Adult Unit and then the Children’s Unit at the Metropolitan State Hospital in Waltham, MA for 14 years. As a result, she raised her daughters and granddaughters to appreciate the importance of treating people with compassion and empathy as well as dignity and respect. 

Loretta was an avid volunteer. She delivered Meals on Wheels, oftentimes with her mother and children in tow, for 17 years. She was actively involved in the Belmont school system, coached her daughters’ childhood softball teams and led their Girl Scout troops. She was selfless and always giving of her time, talent, and treasures.

She embraced a profound love of her church, family, travel, playing and watching sports (most notably, her beloved Boston Red Sox), and gardening. A long-time member and past president of the Belmont Garden Club, Loretta treasured the friendships that she cultivated with its members. She was known to many as a kind and loyal friend who had a light-hearted side to her; mischief was her middle name. 

"Grandma” enjoyed attending her granddaughters’ theatrical and sporting events, making “disaster” cakes with them – and, simply watching them grow up. She experienced great pride in being a grandmother and was always asking, “Where are my babies?” They were never far from her as they enjoyed spending time with her as much as she enjoyed spending time with them.

Loretta was a relentless fighter with a steadfast resolve to live life to its fullest and make a positive difference in the world. She endured the unimaginable so that she could be there for her family and friends and, in turn, they were there for her. Loretta embodied courage, resilience, and grace under fire. She will be remembered for her tenacity, sheer force of will, compassion – and, most importantly, her unconditional love. Always a lady, Loretta was the epitome of grace and elegance.

Loretta was truly grateful to Dr. David Avigan, and the medical professionals at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), for curing her of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2006. Donations may be made in her memory to support Dr. Avigan’s life-saving research with the hope that others will be cured as well. Checks may be made out to BIDMC (the memo field should be annotated to read, “Dr. David Avigan’s Research Fund/Anastos”) and mailed to BIDMC/BILH, Office of Development, (OV) 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215.

In the words of Dr. Avigan, “Loretta was such a remarkable woman who persevered through so many challenges always offering a smile and sense of generosity. She was wonderful to talk to about everything from what was going on in the world to the Boston Marathon. She was very proud of her family. It was a privilege to take care of her, we will really miss her.”

Due to the current pandemic, as well as care and concern for family and friends, the funeral service and burial will be private. To view the live stream services, which will be held at the Taxiarchae/Archangels Greek Orthodox Church on Thursday August 5, 2021 at 11:00am, please log on via the following link: https://www.harborview.live/. A celebration of Loretta’s life will be held when it is safe to do so. 

May her memory be eternal.