Christina Lampos

2/6/1942 - 9/4/2025

Groton - Christina Lampos, 83, of Groton, passed away peacefully in her sleep on the morning of Sept. 4, 2025. She was born Feb. 6, 1942, in Kastori, a mountain village near Sparta in the state of Laconia, Greece and raised in a traditional farming family. Christina was fiercely proud of her Greek heritage and considered herself "a "true Spartan." Her experience witnessing the horrors of the Nazi invasion of Greece and the subsequent civil war as a child gave her a lifelong abhorrence of war and formed her progressive political views which she held her entire life. She was especially committed to women's rights, civil rights and equality.

She married Theofanis "Teddy" Lampos in 1961, and emigrated to the United States. They lived first on the West Side of Norwich, and then in Greeneville before settling in Groton. She became a U.S. citizen in 1968, holding on to her traditional Greek values while simultaneously embracing the American social movements and music of the 60s.

Christina was the proud owner with Teddy of Groton Pizza Palace since 1965, and until her final year came to work daily, first thing in the morning to set up the kitchen, making the salads and her beloved specialties: the tuna and the meatballs.

Christina was also a staunch defender of children with special needs at a time when there were no services, programs, or treatment options apart from institutionalization. She cared for her son Lampros at home, at great personal sacrifice, and advocated for him throughout the 60s and 70s, until advances in medical science and social reforms led to day-treatment programs and the establishment of group homes where those with special needs could receive the care they needed.

She is predeceased by Teddy, her husband of 62 years; and survived by her son James "Jim" and his wife Michaelle Pearson of Old Lyme; and her grandchildren, Phoebe and Theodore "Van" Lampos. She is also survived by her son Lampros Lampos of Waterford; and her nephew Ulysses Sakellarides of Norwich; and numerous family members in Greece. She was dedicated to her family and loved by all. She will be dearly missed.

There will be a private funeral service with burial at Maplewood Cemetery in Norwich.