Lois Lynn Kotzambasis' Obituary
Lois Lynn Kotzambasis
June 5, 1936 – May 25, 2025
“Wonderful. Special. Bright. Beautiful. Strong. Loving. Fun. Cool.”
Just a small sample of how people describe the amazing woman we called “Mom” and “Yiayia.” Lois Lynn Kotzambasis lived an incredible life in her nearly 89 years.
Born in Akron, Ohio, she was raised as Lois Lynn Lipps, an only child, and as was the fashion at the time, wore three “Ls” on her clothes growing up. Mom always took pride in looking her best and often reminded her daughters that putting on lipstick should be a staple when going out. She liked to reminisce about playing volleyball, being in the marching band, and was especially proud of being first chair clarinet. Lois also sang in the church choir for several years. Music was always key in Lois’ life and she passed on that love of song to her children. We marched around the house to band music on the weekends as we helped clean. As the “band leader,” Mom would use the feather duster as her baton.
As a modern, independent woman, Lois’ early career took her to the B.F. Goodrich, a staple in Akron. She worked in the accounting department and beamed about her skills on the NCR machine. Lois liked to say she worked on one of the original computers, yet she never mastered the smart phone in recent years. Instead, she would ask one of us to “go up on the computer” to get information for her.
However, the accounting job would not be a lifelong career. Lois’ life took a dramatic turn when she met a handsome bartender who liked her eyes and the way she walked. You might say Ptolemeos “Pete” Kotzambasis swept her off her feet. The two made a beautiful couple and had an incredible love story. As a Greek immigrant, Pete was happy when Lois immersed herself in the culture. She learned to speak the language, cook the cuisine (especially the sweets) and embraced the Greek Orthodox religion to the point where she knew it better than those raised in the church. She also taught Sunday School for decades, ensuring the next generation learned all they could about the religion. In fact, most who met her, even the Greeks, thought she was Greek. Mom’s reply, “I’m Greek by injection.” Yes, that was Lois. A sense of humor that is legendary.
Lois passed that sense of humor on to her children, Elias, Sandra and Chrys. All three were born in Akron. Balancing motherhood and work, Lois joined Pete in what would become the family business, Greek restaurants. The first restaurant was the Red Carpet in Akron,
but they really made their mark after moving to Arizona and opening El Greco’s, right by the University of Arizona campus for more than 20 years. Then came El Greco’s Grecian Gardens. Lois was the ‘front of the house,’ greeting and charming guests with her signature big smile and warm personality. If you met Lois, she was your friend. She made everyone feel welcome and seen. Another trait she passed to her children, teaching us that people come from different backgrounds, cultures, ethnicities and beliefs, and that’s what makes the world a better place, the amazing diversity surrounding us every day.
In addition to being a local business owner, Lois dedicated her time to the Greek Orthodox church, teaching Sunday School, volunteering for various events, belonging to and supporting the Philoptochos (the Greek Orthodox women’s charitable organization) and was a lifetime member of the Daughters of Penelope, in which she served several leadership roles at the local, District and National levels. The Daughters promote Hellenism, Education, Philanthropy and Civic Responsibility, which Lois proudly supported. She also liked to tell people that her position in the Daughters afforded her the opportunity to meet and befriend Betty White, (who was also Greek), when Lois presented her the Salute to Women honor.
While Lois loved being a mother, Godmother (she had more than a dozen Godchildren), teacher, volunteer and ambassador for all things Greek, she treasured her title as “Yiayia,” which is grandmother in Greek. Blessed with four amazing grandchildren, she built a special relationship with each of them, giving them each their own special nicknames. Watching Zoey, Alexander, Ptolemeos (Tole) and Lukas grow up and become incredible young adults brought her so much joy. And we would be remiss if we didn’t point out all the special memories the “Fab Four” have of their Yiayia. Who else could imitate a Lady Bullfrog, teach them how to work a glue gun, educate them on a special “F” word she created, or just be there when they needed a hug, an encouraging word, or someone to listen. Fortunately, Lois was also able to meet her first great-grandchild, June, before she left us, and she knew a great-grandson is on the way, which made her incredibly happy.
And Lois made everyone around her happy. The tributes, stories and kind words about Lois have flowed into our family since news of her passing spread. It is a testament to her, and the life she lived, that people around the world have reached out to make sure we knew how special she was to them personally and how she touched their lives. We have always known she was bigger than life, and now everyone knows the light, love and laughter Lois brought everywhere she went. We also know she is now reunited with her beloved Pete and the two of them are likely entertaining all the family and friends who passed before Lois. And while we will miss her dearly, we are beyond grateful that she is at peace.
If you would like to honor Lois, please consider a donation to the American Heart Association. Lois’ heart was as big as they get.
What’s your fondest memory of Lois?
What’s a lesson you learned from Lois?
Share a story where Lois' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lois you’ll never forget.
How did Lois make you smile?
