Sophia Anest, 96, of Ocean, NJ, passed away peacefully on September 10, surrounded by her loving family.

Sophia was born on April 17, 1930, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Presvetera Victoria and Reverend Aristides Palaynes. Sophia and her family moved to Asbury Park, NJ, in 1934. From that moment onward, Sophia was a true Jersey girl.

She was a fixture on the Asbury Park boardwalk as a young girl, selling candied apples and waiting tables at Michael’s Restaurant with her lifelong friends. She was a one-of-a-kind person who left a lasting impression on all who met her.

Sophia had an instinct for problem-solving that came at a pivotal time for her family during WWII. Her father had passed away at a young age, leaving Sophia’s mom widowed, with no means to earn an income. The family then rented out rooms in their home to vacationing Greek families from NYC, who were attracted to the Jersey shore and felt comfortable among their close-knit community in Asbury Park. A teenage Sophia was the one who managed the books, maintained, and helped run the house as an innkeeping business, thus ensuring the family did not lose their beloved home.

She spent her entire life “at the shore.” She attended Asbury Park public schools and graduated from Asbury Park High School in 1948. Sophia was a bright and curious girl, ahead of her time. She earned her BA in education from Montclair State Teachers’ College (now known as Montclair State University), graduating with a major in Social Studies and minoring in English and Elementary Education. Sophia enjoyed a teaching career that spanned 40 years, nearly all of them at Shrewsbury Borough School. She retired in 1994.

Sophia’s commitment to her Greek Orthodox faith began at birth. Her last several decades were spent joyfully, in committed service and volunteerism at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Ocean, NJ.

Her dedication began with the Daughters of Penelope, a charitable organization that supports local and nationwide civic causes. During the course of her 75-year membership, she served three different terms as president and chaired countless fundraisers. Sophia was exceptional at selling raffle tickets for fundraisers. Despite her diminutive stature, all who knew her happily pulled out their checkbooks whenever she approached. Sophia served as the Church Parish Council secretary for a decade and was an active member of St. George Philoptochos. She also ran the St. George Socialites with her dear friend, Ester Crisicos. Together, they planned thrice-annual bus trips and cultural outings to NYC, Atlantic City, Las Vegas, Maine, Tennessee, Vancouver, etc. The trips were eagerly anticipated, fully subscribed, and Sophia was the trip comedienne. Beyond her cherished church trips, Sophia had a zest for international travel with dear friends, journeying around the globe to Europe and more than 20 countries, including Africa, Russia, Egypt, and China, among others.

Sophia had a warm heart and a beautiful smile. She was welcoming to every single person in her presence and always made people laugh. Her strong faith and positive outlook on life were an inspiration and contributed greatly to her longevity. For the past 30 years, and up until her very last days, she attended weekly Wednesday morning social breakfasts at the Blue Swan Diner with her lifelong friends.

Sophia is survived by her two daughters, Pari Harrison (Chris) of Rumson, NJ, and Victoria Anest of Nashville, TN. She was a loving Yia Yia to Alexis Harrison Jones (Michael) of London, UK; Peter Harrison of NY, NY; Sofia Ansell of Ocean, NJ; and Luke Ansell of Nashville, TN. She treasured her role as Big Yia Yia to her great-grandchildren, Harrison Jones and Sophia Jones of London, UK. She is also survived by her adored nieces, Diana Fossom and Stacy Hern.

She was predeceased by her parents and her loving brother, Harry Palaynes.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in support of St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1033 West Park Avenue, Ocean Township, NJ. Donations will support the Sophia Anest Memorial Scholarship and the church’s ongoing ministries.

Visitation will be at 11am – 12noon on Wednesday September 16, at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1033 West Park Avenue, Ocean Township, NJ. A service will follow immediately after the visitation concludes. Burial will be in St. George Greek Orthodox Cemetery, Neptune.