Herta Roussos, affectionately referred to as “Yaya”, was born on September 15, 1946 to Hedwig and Gustav Bucher in Jabing, a small town in Burgenland, Austria. From Austria, her family migrated to Toronto, Canada, where she completed her schooling. She settled and raised her children on Long Island, New York. Much like the scripture at Proverbs 31 that describes a capable wife, she ran a construction company with her husband, John Roussos, and was successful in real estate investments. 

Survived by her sister Anna Abele, and first husband Nicholas Itsines, together they had James Nicholas, Anna Maria, and Gus Nicholas. She also affectionally referred to Joanne Bonano as her “good daughter.“ Yaya had a granddaughter, Shatavia Monegro lovingly known as “Shotsy”. She always considered Tiarra, Terrel, Tiandre, and Ronnie to be her grandchildren and T.J. to be her great-grandson or her “best boy.” 

Herta and John Roussos had a life that her family described as a “Notebook” love story. They met when she was 16, John expressed it was love at first sight. He always speaks of that first day, gazing at his waitress in the local Greek diner, she was “the beauty with the black framed glasses.” They were married on December 16, 1979, and were inseparable until the end. 

Yaya was always known for her bubbly personality and her generosity. She was a fine example of faith to all around her. She was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on May 30, 1980, and always held on tight to the promise found at Isaiah 33:24 which reads, “And no resident will say: ‘I am sick.’” She shared this hope, and other bible based promises with others, throughout many years in the pioneer service. 

Yaya took her last breath on December 28, 2021 surrounded by her loved ones, holding her hand, just as she desired.  

We will certainly miss our beautiful matriarch, but this is not goodbye. We are confident and comforted that we will see her again in Paradise. John 5:28,29 

In Lieu of flowers- Please donate to JW.org