Iphigenia J. Tyler

recently of Ithaca, age 97, died on January 6th at 2 am (of a short illness) to be with her first love, Jesus Christ.

She is predeceased by her parents, Dimitri (James) Jiottis (Ziotis) and Kassandra Pargeotis. Also predeceased by her first husband, George Atsedes and husband, Professor Leon J. Tyler of Cornell University.

Iphi is survived by her brother, Constantine (Gus) Jiottis (Mary) of Nottingham, NH and brother, James Triantafilou (Blanche) of Hatboro, PA. Iphi is survived by her daughter, Sandra Atsedes DiGiacomo (Joseph DiGiacomo) of Bay Village, OH and her granddaughter, Maria Bender of Avon Lake, OH; great grandchildren, Giana Maria, Carmen Maria and Dominic Joseph, grandson, Michael Joseph DiGiacomo (Laurie Hicok) and great grandchildren, Jessica Maria and Joseph Michael of Howell, MI; grandson, Anthony Joseph DiGiacomo of Bay Village, OH. Iphi's son, G. James Atsedes (Margie Moore) of Ithaca and her grandchildren, Tim Atsedes (Amy Heiser) of Gilbert, AZ and great grandchildren, Jacob James and Jordyn; granddaughter, Lori Atsedes of Litchfield, AZ; granddaughter, Georgette Atsedes Seay (Timothy) and great grandchild, Alexis of Nashville, TN and her step-son, Dennis Tyler of Brick, NJ.

Iphi was an active member, in the past, of St. Catherine Greek Orthodox Church as a lector in fluent Greek and participated in fund raising. Iphi and her first husband, George Atsedes, started the Soda Spa on Cayuga St. and subsequently the College Spa on State St. Her marriage to Professor Leon J. Tyler (Emeritus) at Cornell University (Plant Pathology Department) afforded them many Cornell activities. Iphi, who founded the Cornell Gourmet Club was also an accomplished duplicate bridge player and a member of the Finger Lakes Bridge Club of Ithaca for many years. Her artistic talents included paintings from an early age in charcoal, pastels, pen n' ink, and her works were often displayed in galleries. Among her other talents were piano, violin, bouzouki, ukulele, mandolin, acrobatics and dance. She also participated in local theater groups. She knitted garments and upholstered furniture, gave to the poor and traveled with her husband.
She was an avid Mets fan and knew not only the players by name but their statistics. She loved playing and listening to classical music.
Iphi's love and devotion to God was inspirational to her family and friends. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were a blessing and a joy.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 13th at 11 am at St. Catherine Greek Orthodox Church. Burial in East Lawn Cemetery will be delayed until spring. Friends may call on Sunday, January 12th from 1 to 3 pm at the Bangs Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Catherine's Greek Orthodox Church, 120 W. Seneca St., Ithaca, NY 14850.