PANTAZOPOULOS, Sophie (Vallas), age 78, of West Roxbury, formerly of Kalymnos, Greece passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on March 14, 2019 after a courageous battle with lung cancer.
Sophie was the devoted wife of 60 years to her beloved husband George S. Pantazopoulos; loving mother of Taki, and his wife Elaine, of Milton, MA, Anoula McCarren and her husband Donald, of Knoxville, TN, and George Jr. and his wife Mariolga of Walpole, MA
Devoted grandmother (Yiayia) to Nikki Sophia and George Taki Pantazopoulos, Alexa McCarren, and Sofia, Marina and Marco Pantazopoulos.
Daughter of the late Theophilos and Maria Vallas of Kalymnos, Greece. Sophie is also survived by her siblings, Aphrodite Economos, Irene Matheos, Michael Vallas, Nick Vallas, and the late George Vallas. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins both here and in Greece.
Sophie was born and raised on the Dodecanese island of Kalymnos, Greece, and immigrated with her parents and siblings to America in 1951. The family resided in the South End of Boston where she met the love of her life and best friend, George. They eventually settled in West Roxbury where they raised their three children. She loved her little neighborhood and cherished her neighbors.
Sophie was a remarkable woman with a strong work ethic, an enormous heart, and many passions. She was a talented seamstress and enjoyed sewing with her granddaughters. She loved her home, garden, lemon trees and gardenias, all reminding her of Kalymnos. Sophie loved to cook the Greek cuisine and often made more food than she needed, only to share it with her neighbors and friends. Sophie adored children and her grandchildren were her greatest joy. She always found time to nurture them, sharing special and personal memories of growing up on her tiny Greek island, and later raising a family while adjusting to a new culture. Sophie's husband, children and grandchildren were her life. Yiayia Sophie will be sadly missed, but never forgotten.
Our family would like to acknowledge and thank Dr. Michael Rabin, Thoracic Oncologist, and the incredible and compassionate team of medical professionals at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, all the doctors and nurses at the Brigham and Women's Hospital who lovingly cared for Sophie, and the Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) for caring for Sophie while she was at home. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Visiting hours will be held in the Robert J. Lawler and Crosby Funeral Home 1803 Centre St., West Roxbury, on Sunday, March 17, from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. Relatives and friends are invited to attend.
Funeral service private.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to:
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284
or via www.dana-farber.org/gift
One Mission – A pediatric cancer charity that helps children and families through the emotional and financial challenges of treatment.
69 Milk Street, Suite 300, Westborough MA 01581
or via www.onemission.org