HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 1
Offered January 11, 2012
Prefiled November 21, 2011
Celebrating the life of Patricia Roupas Sotos
---------- Patron -- Loupassi ----------
WHEREAS, Patricia Roupas Sotos, a respected business owner and faithful and beloved member of the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Richmond, died on July 2, 2011; and
WHEREAS, the daughter of George and Penelope Roupas, Patricia Sotos took great pride and joy in her family, enjoying the time she spent with her late husband, John Sotos, and their three children, Georgia, Frank, and Penelope; and
WHEREAS, a successful entrepreneur who was highly organized and creative, Patricia Sotos ran “All Occasions,” directing weddings and helping young couples start their lives together in a special way; and
WHEREAS, Patricia Sotos possessed a deep and abiding faith that manifested itself during her lifelong membership and involvement at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral; and
WHEREAS, a gifted vocalist, Patricia Sotos sang with the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral choir and also served as secretary of the Eastern Federation of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians; and
WHEREAS, Patricia Sotos made numerous other contributions to her church through her involvement and leadership roles with the Daughters of Penelope Society and Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, a gracious and vibrant woman, Patricia Sotos opened her home to her many friends, who enjoyed her hospitality and appreciated her thoughtfulness; and
WHEREAS, predeceased by her husband, John, Patricia Sotos will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her children, five grandchildren, 17 godchildren, and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of a respected and beloved citizen of the Commonwealth of Virginia, Patricia Roupas Sotos; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Patricia Roupas Sotos as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for her memory.
In Memory of Patricia Sotos
By Maria Keritsis
This column is dedicated to Patricia Roupas Sotos, highly respected and beloved for her lifetime of service to others. All who knew Pat were touched by her infectious smile, her warm hospitality and her welcoming manner. Pat was involved not only in our Federation but she also served as past President of Philoptochos, and was serving as Philoptochos Diocesan representative of Metropolis of New Jersey at the time of her passing. Pat was a Past District Governor of the Daughters of Penelope and was a Sister of the Year, and she chaired the pastry booth for the Greek Festival for over 20 years.
Pat began her service to church musicians while she was still in Roanoke, VA by serving as organist and choir member. After she married, Pat took a few years off to rear her family and then returned to the choir of Sts. Constantine & Helen in Richmond, where she served as President of the choir, co-chair of several of our federation conferences and helped with the projects that the choir undertook. She served our Federation as its secretary for 10 years. She was a faithful steward in service to her family, to the church, and to her community.
In his remarks at the funeral of Patricia Roupas Sotos, Father Nicholas Bacalis stated that Pat’s imprint is indelible; her influence can neither be replaced nor erased. “No one was quite like her and no one could be anything like her.” She stands in our memory as one of a kind, a sterling example of an Orthodox woman who devoted her life to loving others. "God had His Plan not to have Pat suffer here more when the joys of Paradise await her.”
This year our federation acknowledges and thanks Pat for her many years of service by presenting the Athenagoras Medal to her family.
Pat will be greatly missed by all who knew her. May her memory be eternal.