Paula Y. Chronis (Panayiota Pappas) died Wednesday the 22nd of June in the Willows at Worcester.
Paula is survived by her two daughters, Jean Chronis-Kuhn of Palm Desert, CA; son-in-law, Michael, Vicki E. Lalos and her husband, Chris of Worcester, son, Todd Chronis and his wife Jane of Mountain View, CA; nine grandchildren, Heather, Michael, Evangeline, and Lukas Kuhn, Evan and Joseph Lalos, Leah Lalos-Sprague and her husband, Dane, Iolanthe and Griffin Chronis, two great grandchildren, Lili and Luka Kuhn; and cousins, Andrew of Sunnyland, CA and Thanasi Theodoropoulos of Athens, Greece.
Born November 5, 1927 in Amaliada, Greece, Paula was a schoolchild in occupied Greece during WWII. Upon her graduation from high school as valedictorian, Paula emigrated to the United States where she married Stanley J. Chronis, who died in 2002. A private woman, she was a caring matriarch, energetically guiding her family with old world values in their pursuit of higher education.
After being a stay-at-home mom, Paula received a Bachelor’s degree in Education and continued to receive her M.Ed. from Assumption College. Paula worked for the Worcester Public Schools for 20 years and eventually rose to the position of lead teacher of ESL programs as a mentor, supervisor, and trainer where she supported immigrant children and families who, like her, were tasked with the expectation to assimilate into American culture. She was an American patriot, loving her adopted country and her teaching role.
Mrs. Chronis was a lifetime member of St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Aside from her family and work life, Paula had passions for debating national politics and the art of good taste and fashion, which, along with her family values, will be long remembered.
A visiting hour will be on Monday, June 27th from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM in St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 102 Russell Street. Her funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM in the Cathedral. Burial will be in Hope Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Ladies Philoptochos Society, c/o St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 102 Russell Street, Worcester, MA 01609.