Mary S. (Pando) Efthim

WORCESTER – Mary S. (Pando) Efthim, 91, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 19, 2018 at UMass Memorial Healthcare after an illness. Born and raised in Somerville, Mary was the daughter of Albanian immigrants, Sotir and Androniqi (Carroll) Pando and lived 65 years in Worcester. Her beloved husband of 42 years, Harry P. Efthim died in 1995. She will be lovingly remembered and missed by her son, Richard H. Efthim of Lovettsville, VA; her daughter, Paula J. Stiles and her husband, Phil of Leicester; a brother, Charlie Pando of Lady Lake, FL; two sisters, Deta Pappas of Worcester and Bessie Theodoss of N. Fort Myers, FL; four grandchildren, Christina Cox, Jessica Stiles, Sarah Williamson and Chelsea Stiles; a great granddaughter, Hannah Cox. She also leaves many nephews and nieces; and a dear friend, Constance Vessio. Besides her husband, Mary is predeceased by four brothers, Mitchell, Victor and George Pando, and Peter VanGel, and a sister, Lavendia Spiro. Mary was a graduate of Somerville High School, class of 1944. She was an active member of Saint Mary’s Assumption Albanian Orthodox Church in Worcester and a member of its Belles of St. Mary’s and choir. She was also an active volunteer with her son’s Boy Scout Troop # 73 and received their “Silver Fox Award” for her countless contributions. In her spare time, Mary enjoyed sewing, knitting, quilting and spending time with her family at Cedar Meadow Lake in Leicester. She was always selfless and generous with her time especially when it came to her husband, children and grandchildren. She lovingly and faithfully cared for her husband Harry throughout his 25 year battle with Multiple Sclerosis and was truly an inspiration to everyone who knew her. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Mary’s family from 6 to 8 pm on Thursday, March 22, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden with a Trisagion Service at 6 pm. A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Friday, March 23, at Saint Mary’s Assumption Albanian Orthodox Church, 535 Salisbury St., Worcester. Burial will follow at Hope Cemetery in Worcester. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Saint Mary’s Assumption Albanian Orthodox Church, 535 Salisbury St., Worcester, MA 01609, or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater New England Chapter, 101A 1st Ave., Waltham, MA 02451. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit our "Guest Book" here on this page. May her memory be eternal!