Pauline Lovoy

A visitation for Pauline will be held Thursday, October 16, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Pierce Brothers Turner & Stevens Mortuary, 1136 East Las Tunas Drive, San Gabriel, CA 91776. A funeral service will occur Friday, October 17, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Saint Anthony Greek Orthodox Church, 778 S Rosemead Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107. A graveside service will occur Friday, October 17, 2025 from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Resurrection Cemetery, 966 Potrero Grande Dr, Rosemead, CA 91770.

Paraskevi “Pauline” Petelos Lovoy, born October 23, 1936, in Samos, Greece, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2025, at the age of 88.

Pauline’s early years were marked by both hardship and resilience. During World War II, her family endured the struggles of the Nazi occupation of Greece, including the heartbreaking loss of her infant brother, John. After the war, with the help of the Red Cross, Pauline, her mother, and her two siblings were reunited with her father in the United States, arriving through Ellis Island. Pauline was just eleven years old when she immigrated to the United States, settling first in Birmingham, Alabama.

As their family grew in America, Pauline lovingly helped care for and raise her younger siblings, showing early on the nurturing spirit that would define her life. It was there, in Alabama, that she met her husband, Jack Lovoy. The two eloped, marrying in Mississippi, and soon made their way to California, where they built a home and raised their three children (Christopher, Nicholas and Jack Jr) in Alhambra.

Pauline was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She built a loving home for her family and, with her warm and social nature, also enjoyed working in the community. She attended beauty school, worked at a beauty parlor and was a hair model for some time. She was also a beloved hostess at Vern’s Robin Hood in Pasadena, where she was affectionately known as “The Little Greek.” Later, she worked at the donut shop at the end of Raymond Avenue, where customers fondly called her “The Donut Lady.”

Pauline was a wonderful Greek cook. She hosted holidays at her home on Raymond Avenue, inviting family and friends and ensuring everyone left well-fed and happy. Pauline also loved to sing and dance and was a cherished member of the choir at Saint Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Church in Pasadena.

When her first grandchild was born, Pauline devoted herself to her growing family. She adored all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and seeing them made her light up. They lovingly called her Yiayia, and nothing delighted her more than hearing them sing Samiotisa to her. Pauline took pride in passing on her heritage, ensuring that her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren carried with them a deep love for their Greek culture.

An animal lover through and through, she also made space in her heart and home for stray cats and many other animals in need, ensuring they were fed, sheltered, and loved.

Pauline was the cherished daughter of the late Nick and Irene Petelos. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Lovoy; her brother, Angelos Petelos; her infant brother, John; and her beloved son, Nicholas Lovoy (d. 1993), who is survived by his wife, Anna Lovoy, and their two children, Lauren and Nicholas.

Pauline is survived by her sons, Christopher Lovoy (Marian) and Jack Lovoy (Edna). She was blessed with five grandchildren (in birth order): Lauren Lovoy-Granados; Nicholas Lovoy; Kristen Huezo; Breanna Lovoy; and Joshua Lovoy. Her family also grew to include Robin Allison and Michelle Allison, whom she embraced with love.Her family expanded further with great-grandchildren who brought her immense joy: Audrey Granados and Violet Granados (children of Lauren and Jesse Granados); Leila Munoz, Matthew Munoz, and Leo Munoz (children of Breanna and Jacob Munoz); Emma Huezo and Kaylee Huezo (children of Kristen and Mike Huezo); Nick Guerrera (son of Robin and Nick Guerrera); and Mariah Aguirre and Sebastian Aguirre (children of Michelle and Alex Aguirre).

Pauline is also survived by her siblings: Maria Latto (Tim) of Charleston, SC; Grace Dallair (Richard) of Fishersville, VA; Martha Ledlow (Don), John Petelos (Evelyn), Billy Petelos (Babs), and Tony Petelos (Teresa) of Birmingham, AL.She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family who will forever cherish her memory.

Pauline will be remembered for her warmth, contagious laugh, generous spirit, and the countless lives she touched. Even as she bravely faced Alzheimer’s in her later years, Pauline remained true to character by caring for those around her, making people laugh, singing and dancing, and offering kindness and love. Her deep faith sustained her, and she stayed dedicated to Jesus Christ until the very end. Her legacy of love, compassion, culture, and resilience will live on in the hearts of her family and all who knew her.

Σ’ αγαπάμε, Βούλα. Αιωνία της η μνήμη.