Olga Adams

OLGA ADAMS, 87, of Weirton, WV, a beloved mother, Yiayiá, sister, and educator, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2025, at the Weirton Geriatric Center. Born on June 1, 1937, in Steubenville, Ohio, she was one of three children born to Manolis “Mike” and Evangelia Kostarides Arnas. Olga was a woman of remarkable strength and independence, known for her feisty spirit, courage, and a tireless work ethic. She lived her life as a trailblazer both personally and professionally, taking on all challengers. She was a person of action who relentlessly pursued physical fitness and academic achievements – and expected the same of her sons. Generally known as a “tough but fair” teacher, she inspired countless students though her passion for education, sometime unconventional methods, and her high expectations. A 1955 graduate of Follansbee High School, Olga earned a Bachelor’s Degree from West Liberty State College in 1958, a Master’s Degree in Education from West Virginia University in 1972, and accumulated 45 hours of advanced studies toward her Doctorate. Her teaching career spanned several decades, including 22 1⁄2 years at Weir High School, two years at Steubenville Big Red High School, and substitute teaching at Weirton Madonna High School – all in addition to teaching various courses at Franciscan University of Steubenville, West Virginia Northern Community College, and the Jefferson Technical Institute. Beyond her career in education, Olga was a member of All Saints Greek Orthodox Church where she was active in the choir and several organizations, including the Daughters of Penelope, Ladies Philoptochos Society, as well as teaching children in the Greek Language School. She was a founding member of the Hancock County School Employees Federal Credit Union and served on its Board as Treasurer and was its Assistant Manager. For fun, Olga enjoyed exercise, golf, walking, and travel. Olga was preceded in death by her parents, Manolis and Evangelia Kostarides Arnas, and her brother, George M. Arnas, M.D. A woman of great character, Olga’s legacy will live on through her three sons, George, Michael, and Christo(Nicole) Adams. She took great pride in raising them to be independent and disciplined, with an emphasis on academics and hard work. Olga was a proud ” Yiayiá”, helping to shape the lives of her grandchildren, Amelia, Alexis, Nicolas, Nolan, and Van Adams. She will also be missed by her beloved sister Dorothea Stakias, nieces, nephews, as well as many friends and colleagues. The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Christopher Cowher and staffs of Hope Cottage, Weirton Geriatric Center, and Classic Cutters Salon for the care and special treatment provided throughout the years. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025, from 3-7 p.m., at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, Weirton. Additional visitation will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025 from 10 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Liturgy at 11a.m., at the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, Weirton. Fr. Matthew Moore will preside. She will be laid to rest at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Weirton. Memorial contributions may be made to All Saints Greek Orthodox Church. Share tributes at www.grecohertnick.com.