Wilma Roumpos passed away at her home in the early morning on April 19th, 2022. She was born on April 30th, 1928 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Peter and Christine Savas. Wilma was the oldest of nine children. Wilma graduated High School, and Business College. She worked in the family store as bookkeeper, grocer along with her family members. Over time the market grew in popularity, and she was proud knowing she played a major roll as others did whom stayed home until marriage released them of their duty. Life was much simpler then, but Wilma had a sense of adventure, although modest, secretly longed for something more. She met her husband, Gregory G. Roumpos whom pursued her for many months, but once he held her hand at a July 4th celebration, they both new it would be a lifelong event.

They were married in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in September 27, 1959. Greg had already secured positions in Southern California as a Pharmacist, and they both Moved to Downey, CA initially, but decided on Long Beach, CA as their home to raise two children - Sophia, and Peter. The history of Wilma's family had to be conveyed over time back to her home in SLC.

It was something Wilma often spoke of, her family, her friends, however, once embedded here in Long Beach, she became involved in many activities at Church. Church to Wilma was where she felt most at home in the early years, branching out and dedicating time to the Philoptochos of Saint John's, and serving as President. Overtime, she was known for many things, from fundraising and crafting, but most of all - her cooking ability. Wilma spoke to Greg about being a chef but Greg convinced her, she should raise a family, and make amazing food for all those around her, for the church, for friends, events when asked, she never turned down opportunity to help. This is what made her so wonderful - Never Turning Down a Friend in Need. We never saw or heard bad words come from her towards a friend, and worked well with others. He work ethic was impeccable! She worked for the Los Alamitos School District as a clerk, eventually moving in to permanent position with the Aid of her Boss whom challenged her often, and Wilma always exceeded expectations.

Wilma raised Sophia and Peter and both had success in life, as any Mother prays for. Unfortunately, all she taught her Daughter, Sophia, the traditions, the family recipes, the things a Mother tells her Daughter, was LOST as she passed due to Cancer in 2007. By this time, Sophia was a "Nouna" / Godmother to Peter's son Gregory, Wilma's only grandchild. The loss was devastating to Wilma, Greg, Peter, Gregory, and the entire family. This event knocked Wilma down, but as she has always done, she got back up. Wilma took care of Sophia until her dying day. She also took care of her faithful husband Gregory, married to for 59 years. She cared for him and drove him to appointments, and motivated him to drive on, Only 2 days after their 59th Anniversary (he fell asleep on September 29th, 2018), she had a major physical fall breaking her right thigh, and recovering for a year.

AGAIN she rose, and pressed on, until and again she fell - this time breaking her left thigh, and AGAIN she rose and walked and cooked, and drove, until again she fell after church, this time breaking her knee and left wrist finger, and amazingly AGAIN she rose and continued her life now of independence. There was nothing that could or would dare stop Wilma once she made up her mind. From leaving her family in Utah, returning to visit only, to the passing of her daughter, the passing of her husband, the passing of her brothers and sisters where now only the youngest Jim Savas continues on the traditions taught to them by the mother and father. She spoke of how it was only Jim and Wilma now. Her family was everything. Her family at church, Her family of friends, for Wilma whom could be trusted, and always help them when asked.

Today, as of this announcement, many others have passed, and I know my Mother would want all the families to know this: She wished could have seen everyone more, to see them at church, at events, to visit, play cards/games, have lunch or especially Dinner. Dinner at the Roumpos home was about family and friends and was the time to converse and go over the day's events where words of wisdom where shared, and left to be followed or ignored, but were said in truth. A religious person, like Wilma, to the end has God watching over her, she heard us all around her, it was meant to be this way for her, at home, with Gregory and Sophia nearby awaiting her, and finally going to the them and God.

Wilma enjoyed most, her freedom, to move about freely, to drive and visit, and shop bargains on ingredients for a Greek meal or Orange Chicken from Costco when on sale. She often would play games with friends during the day, and go to events at night. She loved to travel with her family. She loved going to church and weddings. Anyone who knew her, know she is awaiting you, as often she said, "you only have one life, sometimes saying, "better enjoy it" or, "Life only lasts to so long."

To her closest friends, KNOW she spoke of you often, sometimes daily, simply ask Peter her son, and he will tell you how much she missed seeing you. To all the Koumbaro, God-Children (Nine in total) Wilma and Greg baptized in total, she spoke of each and every one of you at least 5 times a year. No one has been left out of discussions. Her memory was AMAZING, and pains me that I could not record the entirety of dates and places and people. No way! Too many important memories. Memory Eternal, seems fitting indeed.

AIONIA H MNHMH - MAY HER MEMORY BE ETERNAL

Funeral service will be held at 10am on Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at Saint John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, 405 N. Dale Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92801. Interment at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier, CA. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider making a donation to Saint John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church - Philoptochos in Wilma's memory.

Arrangements under the direction of Chapman Funeral Homes - Terry & Mary Harmon, Funeral Directors. Toll free (855) 628-0447.

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Obituary notice for Chapman Funeral Homes. Please visit www.chapmanfuneraldirectors.com .

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