With heavy hearts, we’re sad to share that Constance Palvas has passed away.

One of five children, Connie (Konstantina) was born on May 20, 1942, in Pigadakia, Tripolis, Greece to George and Vasiliki Flesor.  She is preceded in death by her parents, siblings, mother-in-law Katherine Palvas, and her husbands – Harry Palvas, Jr. and, later in life, Aristotelis (Telis) Latsoudis.

She is survived by her daughters, Karyn (Joseph) Kosanovich and Elizabeth (Joseph) Scott, along with her grandchildren Jonathan (Megan) Azar; Alexander, Kathryn (fiancé Christopher Tsourmas) and Lauren Scott; and sister Toula and many nieces and nephews in Greece.

To have a better life, at the age of 12, Connie bravely left her family to come to America. She was raised by John and “Auntie Dear” Sotiris, until she met her future husband, Harry Palvas, Jr.  They met in May, 1962, and got married in October of that same year.

Connie and Junior’s first home was on Gary’s west side until they moved to Merrillville in 1971. As the owner of Gary Produce Company and co-owner of Wilco Food Stores, the family enjoyed a wonderful life.

Connie’s greatest joys were spending time with her family, whether it’s to celebrate birthdays and holidays, especially Christmas, and visiting with close friends to share a meal or a cup of coffee. Her famous pastitsio, moussaka, and baklava were her speciaties.

She loved her church and Greek music, especially dancing. She also enjoyed playing a “friendly” game of Continental Rummy!

We will miss our dear mom. Although she is gone from this world, our memories and love will keep her spirit alive. May her memory be eternal.

The family will host a Visitation on Thursday, July 31 from 3-7 pm with Trisagion Service at 5:00 pm at Rendina Funeral Home (5100 Cleveland Street, Gary). Funeral Service at 10 am on Friday at SS Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral (8000 Madison Street, Merrillville). She will be laid to rest following the service at Ridgelawn Cemetery (4401 Ridge Road, Gary).
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her name to SS Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral.