Norma (Namiki) Anne (Zoumis) Provenzano
A daughter of a Greek immigrant family, Anne was the first to be born in the US in Gary Indiana on April 5, 1923 to parents Nicholas Zoumis and Catherine (Perani) Zoumis. Anne thought all her life that her birthday was on April 22, due to confusion in her birth and baptism certificates. Anne went to Froebel High and LaSalle Extension University in Chicago receiving certificates in accounting and shorthand.
Anne married her soul mate, Arthur Provenzano, on October 12, 1945 after a 10 month courtship, they were married for 71 years. As part of her parent’s Greek tradition, they had chosen a husband for her. In defiance of the tradition, she chose to follow her heart and marry the “love of her life”. Anne and Art transferred from Gary, Indiana with Combustion Engineering to Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1956. Art’s parents visited them often and eventually lived with their son and daughter in law. Anne had an amazing relationship with her mother in law, one that she cherished. Many heartfelt stories of the laughter and fun the two of them shared have been handed down to her family becoming a cornerstone of love in which they all share. Anne and Art’s example of married life and love have enriched the lives of their children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Anne was involved in many church and community organizations while raising her family in those early years. She supported for years the Home & School Association at OLPH, Ladies of Charity and the Catholic Charities store, Chattanooga food Bank, Chattanooga Little Theater, and she loved to bowl as well as play bridge. She attended Knights of Columbus functions with her husband, ran the Notre Dame High School concession stand for all indoor sporting events for many years and received their varsity “Notre Dame” letter for their dedicated work with the high school. She and her husband also worked with the Catholic Youth Organization for many years. She was a teacher at All Saints Academy for several years in the 1960’s and then remained on the substitute teacher roster for St. Jude’s School. She retired from the Trust Department of American National Bank in downtown Chattanooga. She and husband Art owned Mr. P’s restaurant in the Northgate Mall for many years.
Their church home is St. Jude Catholic Church in Hixson where she fed many of the priests and parishioners with her Greek cookies and special dishes. She also worked in the religious articles room following Sunday morning mass and visited the sick for years at the various hospitals in Chattanooga.
Preceded in death by her parents Nicholas and Catherine Zoumis, Sisters Mary Zoumis, Diane Zoumis Pappas (Perry), Marge Zoumis Kanne (Art), her brother Mike Zoumis (Maria), Nephew Perry Pappas. Sisters in law Lois Provenzano Simunic (Fred), Edith Provenzano Schweitzer (Bob), and niece Roseanne Schweitzer.
Survivors include, her husband Arthur D. Provenzano, son Vince Provenzano (Monica), daughter Teresann Provenzano Sentell (Rob). Four grandchildren that were truly her heart and soul, Brent Sentell (Christy), Brian Provenzano, Kristen Sentell Robinson (Tommy), Matthew Provenzano (Amber). Six great grandchildren Isabella “Ella” Grace Sentell, Jack Townes Robinson, Lillian “Lily” Mae Sentell, Thatcher Vincent Provenzano, Sybil “Birdie” Robinson, and Laney Clare Provenzano. Also survived by her nieces Kathy Pappas Karras (Nathan) Schererville IND, Kathy Zoumis Las Vegas, NV, Mary Schweitzer Phiffer (Michael), Nephews Nicholas Pappas (Linda), Bob Schweitzer, Joe Schweitzer, and Fred Simunic (Margie) along with several cousins. Also survived by her precious singing/walking buddy and sister-friend, Mary Lu Reccord (Eddie).

Those who knew her best and called her YiaYia, know what an incredible, crazy, fun loving, source of energy she was. She shared her love of cooking both Greek and Italian dishes with her daughter Teresann, daughter in law Monica, and granddaughter Kristen over the years and many people now enjoy recipes that were shared.
Special thanks to those who have cared of her and supported the family for so many years. Chattanooga Hospice esp. nurse Cheree Alrudhan and CNA Pam, the staff of Manorhouse especially those who kissed her goodnight. LifeCare of Red Bank who have been true angels during her short time with them and continue to bless the family with their compassion.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 22, 2018 from 5-8 pm at Lane Funeral Home, Ashland Terrace.
Funeral Mass will be conducted at 12 Noon on Friday at St. Jude Catholic Church
Interment will follow in Hamilton Memorial Gardens
Arrangement have been entrusted to Lane Funeral Home, Ashland Terrace, 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, TN 37415. www.lanefh com

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