Obituary of Athena Saterson

Athena Saterson, a longtime Ridgewood resident died April 8, 2012. She was 84. Athena worked as both writer and photographer for almost 30 years at The Ridgewood News before retiring in 1999. Her various positions included Social Editor, Feature Story Writer, Religion, Food and Women's Editor. Earlier in her career she worked for Vogue magazine and House and Garden. An outgoing, independent, inquisitive and creative woman, Athena is remembered for her enthusiasm and journalistic skill by many colleagues from her professional life and as a loving, energetic and supportive wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Among Athena's greatest passions were international travel, photography and the study of art. She combined these loves through worldwide travel and joined dozens of international art history tours led by Ruth Schwartz with the Ridgewood Adult School. Athena was born in New York City to Greek immigrant parents Epamenondas Galidas and Katherine Rombitou. At the age of 12, her father died and her grandmother helped raise Athena and her older brother Panos while their mother worked as a supervisory seamstress in the NY garment district. Athena grew up on West 135th Street in Manhattan and embraced the traditions of her Greek heritage. She later became a founding member of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Wyckoff. Athena graduated from the Merchants and Bankers Business School in 1945 and attended Hunter College evening classes. In 1949, Athena married George Saterson of Brooklyn NY. They moved with his job to Pennsylvania, Illinois, Texas and Georgia, before settling in Ridgewood in 1968. Athena loved the ocean and she shared her husband George's passion for sailing. Athena is survived by her five children, Constantine and wife Nancy of San Diego CA, George and wife Mary Kay of Brooklyn NY, Kathryn of Durham NC, Chrysanthe of San Jose CA and Anastasia and husband Cliff of New York NY; and 3 grandchildren, Michael, Catherine and Maya. She is predeceased by her husband George who died in September. Visitation will be held at Olthuis Funeral Home at 159 Godwin Avenue in Midland Park , NJ from 6 - 9 PM on Tuesday, April 10. The funeral service will be at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church on 467 Grandview Avenue in Wyckoff, NJ on Wednesday, April 11 at 9:30 am. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church.