Maria Lama née Panousis, age 71, fell asleep in the Lord April 17, 2023. Beloved wife of Joseph Lama for 31 years. Devoted daughter of the late Petros and Theodora Panousis. Dear sister of George, Aristomenis, Dimitris, Efstathia, Kristina and the late Ourania, Georgia, and Konstantinos. Fond aunt of Vagelis, Dimitra, George, Konstantinos, Dimitrios, Antonia, Vasilis, Kristina, Eleni, Nicoletta, Pavlos, Petros, Petros, Theodora, Angeliki, Dimitra, Theodora, Kostantina, Kostantinos, Maria Irene and Petros. Daughter-in-law of Tawfik and Mary Lama. Sister-in-law of Ibrahim, Juditte, Samir, Emilie, Fouad, Maurice, Mike and the late Marie, George, Hannah, Jacques and Johny. Aunt-in-law of Dominique, Natalie, Andre, Arthur, Richie, Eddie, Samira, Jackie, Rolando, Monica, Nicole, Nadim, Samira, Lee, Ramsey, and Amira.
She was an elegant woman, admired for her poise and posture. She was steadfast in her loyalty to her family. As a young girl, barely in her 20’s she made the difficult decision to leave Greece, her home country. and she came to America. She came to be with her big sister, and help her raise her young children. This is where her odyssey began…
She began a career in restaurant hospitality, which she continued until retirement.
Hospitality was her calling, and working in this capacity, she shined brightly. She was a gracious host, who loved to entertain, and boy did she entertain! She cooked extravagant meals in high heels and danced until dawn. She was a hostess with the most-est. She was effervescent, glamourous, and glowing. She mesmerized all with her poise, posture, charm, charisma, style, beauty, humor, and intellect.
She wore many hats depending on the need. Using her eye for capturing beauty, she was always the videographer and photographer for our weddings. She was the family historian, the keeper of our memories. She was our nurse and caretaker when we were in need. She was our loyal confidant, who we could all go to for advice knowing that our deepest thoughts and emotions would be heard, felt, and held safe. She was our perfectly timed comedian who always landed the joke.
Her presence will be missed, but her legacy will forever be, that she has taught us all how to live a full life, full of love. She will forever remain, a part of every one of us. She is everyone’s MVP, but most of all our KANON!
‘Till we meet again, Greek Goddess of Chicago!
Visitation Friday, April 21, 2023, from 10:00 AM until time of Funeral Service 11:00 AM at Saint Andrew Greek Orthodox Church, 5649 North Sheridan Road, Chicago, IL 60660.The Funeral Service may be viewed live or recorded at St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church. Interment to follow at Elmwood Cemetery, River Grove, IL. The Graveside service may be viewed live or recorded at Memory Eternal Funeral Directors Facebook page. Memorial donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 would be appreciated. Arrangements by Memory Eternal Funeral Directors, Ltd. (847) 375-0095.
May her memory be eternal.
