Presvytera Demetra "Toula" Pallas

Born January 1, 1938 - Passed September 27, 2022, Presvytera Demetra “Toula” (Mavroidis) Pallas left her earthly journey on Tuesday, September 27th in the early morning hours. Presvytera Pallas ended a courageous and arduous battle with dementia and its endless challenges which she had endured with courage, grace and dignity. Presvytera Pallas was born in Soulima, Ano Dorio, Messinia, Greece on January 1, 1938. She was the eldest of four children of George and Dena Mavroidis and married George A. Pallas on May 29th of 1955. Their marriage and life of service to the Greek Orthodox Church began with the ordination of George into the Greek Orthodox clergy and making them Priest and Priest’s Wife (Presvytera) for over 67 years. After a brief assignment to a village church in their native Messinia, Greece, the two embarked on a journey that would change their lives forever. They served and ministered to Greek Orthodox parishes in the following areas - Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in the Republic of Panama, St. Elias the Prophet in Dubuque, Iowa, St. George in Des Moines, Iowa, and finally in their current home of Holy Transfiguration in Marietta, Georgia. Presvytera was preceded in death by her two first children, Garifalia and a stillborn daughter who remained in her heart each and every day from their deaths. Presvytera is survived by her loving and grateful children Tasi Pallas, Dean (Christina) Pallas and Vicki (Evan) Gekas, grandchildren Niko and Alex Gekas and Dimitra and George Pallas, and most importantly her devoted and loving husband Rev. George Pallas. For those who knew Presvytera Pallas and for those reading this memorial, she was a caring, devoted, funny and witty soul. Presvytera endured hardships that no one should see or experience and yet persevered due to her unshakeable faith, duty, love and persistence. Presvytera brought with her to this country the idea that one can do and be anything… but that we should always understand that God’s will was first. While learning the language on her own, she emphasized striving to better oneself and achieving goals that would evolve and establish her family in this new world. Never one to rely on anyone, she guided her children through their educational advancement and accomplishments while maintaining a vibrant and giving home that welcomed many over the threshold of their door. She was committed and driven by her love for her husband, her commitment to Christ and The Church, ultimately her children, and most importantly her beloved grandchildren. Presvytera was the epitome of an immigrant, a priest’s wife, a mother, a grandmother, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a Godmother, a friend, a church volunteer, a choir member, a dress store worker, a gardener, a cook, a baker, a homemaker, and a hostess. Sunday dinners after church, Christmas and Easter holiday feasts and treats, Friday night family dinners – if someone didn’t have anywhere to go they were always included at her table. Presvytera was an active and stalwart member of the Greek Orthodox Church, she was a devoted grandmother who never missed a game, celebration or recital of any of her grandchildren. She was loved deeply, and her memory lives on in her four grandchildren as do the lessons and teachings that she shared best by her living example. Funeral services are as follows: Friday evening • Visitation from 5 to 7 pm at Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home, 180 Church Street, Marietta, GA 30060 • Trisagion service 7 pm at Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home Saturday • Funeral Service 11am at Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, 3431 Trickum Road, Marietta, GA 30066 • Interment at Green Lawn Cemetery, 950 Mansell Road, Roswell, GA 30076 In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to the Philoptochos Society, Panagia Chapter of Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, Marietta, Georgia. Philoptochos is an outreach of the Greek Orthodox Church which raises funds and ministers to those in our community in need.

Presvytera Demetra "Toula" Pallas

January 1, 1938 - September 27, 2022