Anna Afetian

On Friday, February 19, 2021, Anna Afetian, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away at age 84 due to complications of late-stage Parkinson’s Disease that she had been battling the past few years. Anna was born on October 6, 1936 in Bridgeport, Connecticut to Konstantine (Gus) Zaffis and Persephone (Peggy) Zaffis (nee Alexopoulos). While growing up in Connecticut, Anna was an active young girl, rode horses, and helped her parents around the stables. In 1950, Anna and her brother, Eleftherious (Sonny) Zaffis, and her parents, Gus and Peggy moved to Southern California and settled in Monterey Park, California. Anna was very popular in high school, and on January 1,1954, was the first runner up to becoming Queen of the Rose Parade, and had the title “Princess of Monterey Park.” On August 15, 1957, she married Harry Afetian, moved to the San Fernando Valley, and raised three sons, Vic, Parris and Ted. Anna worked at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) for over 20 years as an Executive Assistant for the Dean of Education. Later divorced, Anna married Eduardo (Eddie) Rodriguez and resided in Las Vegas, Nevada for over 25 years working as a blackjack dealer in such iconic casinos as the Golden Nugget, the Mint, and The MGM Grand. In 2005, Anna and Eddie relocated back to Southern California, residing in Oak Park near family and friends. Anna enjoyed traveling, golfing with Eddie and friends, playing video poker, watching football, and enjoying time with family. Anna was preceded in death by her father, Gus and her mother, Peggy and her brother Sonny, ex-husband Harry and husband Eddie. She is survived by her three sons; Vic and his wife Kathryn; Parris and his wife Nikki; and Ted and his wife Leanne. Also survived by Eddie’s children, Robert and his wife Susie; Lyz and her husband Jeff; and Gilbert and his wife Donna. Grandchildren: Afetian: Chris, Amanda, Casandra, Christina, Alex, Olivia, Samantha, Megan, and Marissa. Rodriguez: Brittany, Patrick, Lauren, Heather, Alex, Jared, and Gabriel. Great Grandchildren: Afetian: Samiya, Bryan, Xiayu, and Chase. Rodriguez: Winryann, Carter and Quinn. Due to covid and travel restrictions, a funeral service will not be held at this time, so we encourage all family and friends to post pictures and tell stories and memories on this memorial page.