Anthula Evanthia Drolapas

Anthula was born in Agia Efthymia, Greece, in 1949 to Giorgos and Katina Iliopoulos, she was the youngest of four children. In a time of great hardship, her family made the difficult decision to give her up for adoption at the age of nine, hoping for a brighter future. In 1958, Anthula was adopted by U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Caifson Johnson and his wife, Olga (Novak). Anthula spent her early years traveling the world with her adoptive parents and brother, Craig. The military family served in Panama, various parts of South America, and across the United States before settling in Kensington, CA, in 1960. Anthula graduated from El Cerrito High School in 1968 and went on to earn an associate degree in nursing.

In 1971, a chance encounter in Golden Gate Park changed her life forever. Anthula was recognized by two sisters from Agia Efthymia, Eva and Vicki, who inquired if she was the girl who was adopted from their village in 1958. This serendipitous meeting led her to their brother, Themistoklis Drolapas, whom she married in 1973. The couple settled in San Francisco, where they welcomed three sons before moving to Millbrae, CA, in 1983.

Although Anthula remembered her childhood in Greece, she had no contact with her family after her adoption. Fortunately, she returned to Agia Efthymia in 1972, where she joyfully reunited with her mother and siblings, allowing her to embrace her roots fully. She went on to cherish countless summers in Agia Efthymia with her husband and children, fostering a deep connection to her homeland.

Anthula was a profoundly kind woman, a devoted, loving mother and wife who cherished her family and friends. She enjoyed gardening, baking, traveling, and creating memories with her loved ones. Her nurturing spirit and warm smile will be missed by all who knew her. Anthula is survived by her children, Efthimios, Craig, and Antonio Drolapas; daughter-in-law Stephanie Drolapas; her beloved grandchildren Themi and Georgianna Drolapas; her sister, Efthimia Anastasopoulos; her brother, Odysseas Iliopoulos; and many in-laws, nieces, and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband, Themistoklis; her parents, Giorgos and Katina Iliopolous; her adoptive parents, Caifson and Olga Johnson; her brother, Craig Johnson; and her sister, Aggelikoula Farantos.

Family and friends are invited to memorial services at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Cross, 900 Alameda de las Pulgas, Belmont, CA. The Trisagion will be held on Friday, October 25, at 7:00 PM, followed by the Funeral Service on Saturday, October 26, at 11:00 AM.