Persephoni (Peggy) Contos, 86, beloved wife, mother, aunt, godmother and friend was called home by the Lord on December 3, 2015 in Fullerton, California. She passed peacefully with her family by her side.
She was born on August 16, 1929 in Somerville, Massachusetts to John & Penelope (Aftosmes) Stavrakes. At a close family friend's wedding in 1953 she met her soulmate Dukas Contos and they were married on May 16, 1954. They lived in Somerville, Massachusetts for 16 years where they ran Brady's Diner in Watertown Massachusetts. During that time they had two children, Pennie and Paul. They moved to Waltham, Massachusetts in July 1970 when they purchased an Italian restaurant Giardina's where Peggy was the Hostess and Cashier. With her infectious smile she greeted every customer like they were a member of the family.
A member of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church in Somerville, Massachusetts since her childhood, where she was baptized and married. She was a member of the Dormition Choir. She raised her family in the Greek Orthodox Church where she was a Sunday School Teacher, PTA board member, GOYA advisor and Cub Scout Den Mother. The Virgin Mary (Panagia) was her guiding light throughout her life. While her brother James was a POW during the Korean War. She prayed daily at church to bring him home safely and was blessed to have her prayers answered after 36 months.
She had a passion for shopping and decided to work at Filene's in Belmont Massachusetts where she worked for over 15 years. She worked in various departments; Women's wear, the Cash office and Men's department. Peggy was a personal shopper before personal shoppers were a trend. Her nickname was Mrs. Filene's. She made sure she knew what her customers liked and would personally call to let them know that something they liked was in stock. Her love of baseball and her passion for her beloved Boston Red Sox was amazing to experience.
Persephoni (Peggy) was devoted to her husband and children. In 2000, Peggy and Duke decided to uproot their life from the Boston area, a region that they truly loved and relocated to Anaheim, California to be close to both their children who had relocated a few years prior. They became parishioners of St John the Baptist in Anaheim. She will be truly missed. She is survived by her devoted husband Dukas, daughter Pennie, brother and sister in law James and Maria (Contos) Tatalias, numerous nieces, nephews and godchildren. She was preceded in death by her son Paul, parents John and Penelope Stavrakes and Brother James Stavrakes.
Family and Friends are invited to the Trisagion at 7:00 PM on Monday, December 7, 2015 at St John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church located at 405 N Dale Street, Anaheim, CA 92801. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, December 8, 2015 at 11 AM at St John the Baptist 405 N Dale Street Anaheim, CA.
Following the church service a luncheon (Makaria) will be held in the Fellowship Hall. Interment to follow at Loma Vista Memorial Park located at 701 E Bastenchury Road, Fullerton, CA.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to be made to St John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church Restoration Project.
Arrangements under the direction of Chapman Funeral Homes-Terry & Mary Harmon Funeral Directors. Toll Free (855)628-0447.