Maria Zambaftis Poulos

Maria Poulos, 72, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones, in the early morning of October 7, 2024.

Hailed from the vibrant and cosmopolitan city of Athens in Greece, Maria immigrated to the United States in 1971 with her late husband, Tom K. Poulos. Together, they built a thriving Italian restaurant, Pizza Palace, located in Fayetteville, North Carolina, which became a beloved institution in the community.

Born on September 27, 1952, Maria was a devoted homemaker and cherished grandmother.  She dedicated her life to raising her three children, Deno, Loula, and Stathis, and later found immense joy in caring for her grandchildren, Thanasis, Stella, Pantelis, Maria, Thanasis, and Alexia.

She was also known for her delicious cooking, especially her traditional Greek dishes. Maria was also an active member of the local Greek community, often volunteering at church events and cultural celebrations.

Maria's dedication to her family and her strong sense of perseverance were an inspiration to all who knew her. Her absence will be a profound void in the lives of those she loved. She is remembered for her boundless kindness, her infectious laughter that warmed the hearts of those around her, and her unwavering love for family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her dear husband, Tom K. Poulos, and her loving parents, Stathis and Stella Zambaftis.  

She is survived by her two brothers, Vaggeli Zambaftis (wife Anta) and Giorgios Zambaftis (wife Anna), three children, Deno Poulos (wife Crystal), Loula Poulos (husband Stefano), and Stathis Poulos (wife Annie); her grandchildren, Thanasis (wife Ella Grace), Stella, Pantelis, Maria, Thanasis, and Alexia; and numerous other relatives and friends.

Everyday….we will love you!

Everyday….we will thank God for you!

Everyday….we will love each other!

Everyday….we will be thankful you are not suffering!

Everyday….your memory will live with us!

Everyday….we will cherish you!

Everyday….we will live as you taught us!

Everyday….we will honor you! 

Everyday….we will clean up our messes! 

Everyday…. we will put others first!

Everyday….you will be in our hearts!

Mom EVERYDAY we will miss you!

EVERYDAY Mom! Everyday we will love you until we meet at the heavenly gates!

Visitation and Trisagion (or Viewing) will be held on Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 10:00am and a Funeral Service will be held immediately following the viewing at 11:00am at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 614 Oakridge Avenue, Fayetteville, NC 28305, with Fr. Alexander Papagikos officiating. 

Burial immediately following the funeral service at Fayetteville Memorial Cemetery. Luncheon will be served at the Hellenic Center after the Burial.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church. Condolences may be sent to 275 Courtyard Lane, Fayetteville, NC. 28303.

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