Jenny Zoe Gaitanoglou

Jenny Zoe Gaitanoglou, 84, of Blue Ridge, Georgia, passed away Saturday, September 9, 2023, at Pruitt Health in Blue Ridge, Georgia. Jenny was born October 24, 1938, on the island of Chios, Greece. During World War II, she and her mother Stella and sister Maria lived as refugees on the island nation of Cyprus. In 1950 the three immigrated to the United States to join her father, Peter Xiriches, who had been in the country since 1940. He had purchased the building and business known as the New York Hotel and Restaurant in Copperhill, Tennessee.

Jenny went to Copper Basin High School where she finished her education. She and her sister Maria helped her father operate a successful business. She became a citizen by naturalization in 1958. After the death of her father, Jenny and her husband Takis took over the responsibilities of the family business. In 1972, Takis and his brother John opened the Fannin Inn Motel and restaurant. Jenny could be found there almost every weekend working as the hostess. Outside of working at the New York and raising three children, she found time to bake delicious pies and cakes for the customers of the Fannin Inn.

Jenny was preceded in death by father, mother, and husband. Survivors include her children and their spouses, Eva Arp of Blue Ridge, GA, Peter and Molly Gaitanoglou of Blue Ridge, GA, Joanna and George Darakos of Pittsburgh, PA; grandchildren, Christina Arp, Christopher Gaitanoglou, Ignatios Darakos and Zoe Darakos; sister Maria Bouloukos of McCaysville, GA, sister-in-law Jane Gaitanoglou of Blue Ridge, GA. She is also survived by three nephews Vassilli and Peter Bouloukos, Sarandy Gaitanoglou and niece Sophia Dearwent.

Some of Jenny's favorite pasttimes were cooking, baking, and watching cooking shows. She also enjoyed watching football. Jenny was a member of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee. 

Family will receive friends on Monday September 11, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Henry-Cochran Funeral Home with Father Stavros Balas officiating the funeral service at 3:00 PM. 
The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers: Christopher Gaitanoglou, Vasilli Bouloukos, Pete Boloukos, George Darakos, Sarandy Gaitanoglou and Ed Howard. 

Cochran Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Jenny Gaitanoglou; you may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society or the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church of Chattanooga, Tennessee. 

Watch the video of the service live here