Aglaia Lily Macrakis

Lily, shared the same name as my late Mom, Aglaia Oikonomou, and this makes sense as they were first cousins and as they grew up together. My mom died in 2017, and she was happy that she was hospitalised at Evangelismos Hospital, just a few blocks down from Lily's Athens residence, in Loukianou 17. Mom used to tell me stories of when with her family they used to visit aunt Kalliopi's house in Loukianou 17, when it was still a neoclassical mansion and not the block of flats you see today. Mom's fam were always late and aunt Kalliopi used to hang a wooden cooking spoon on the door as a sign of friendly disapproval. I know that Lily was shaken by the premature death of her twin sister. This had a profound effect on how she viewed life. Lily, being one of my favourite aunts, brought me a crazy present when I was a kid, a Columbia spacecraft. It was amazing. She has told me so many stories. She offered me her version of the American dream, which didn't work out and I hope I didn't disappoint her too much, I know I did disappoint her a bit. I can carry on for ever. What I know is that whenever she was visiting Athens, the days of aunt Kalliopi's family gatherings were being relieved, the balconies of her Loukianou street flats were full of people, family and friends. She has been an inspiration and has offered help so many people. She lived a long and full life. She was amazing.

I remember Lily as a very strong and loving woman. Lily and Michael were my brother Demi´s godparents, so my family would visit often during Greek holidays and celebrations.
Although I have not seen Lily for many decades, whenever I pass Regis College, I always think of Lily and how gracious she was.
My sincere condolences to Stavros and Michelle.
Rest in peace. Mara

We will remember Lily Macrakis as an amazing person, a gracious host, a huge presence in the Greek American community in Boston, and a real scholar. We have always admired her. Yannis owes her his past association with the Board of Trustees, Hellenic College. A small tribute to her memory is this short piece on World War II in Greece, a horrendous time for Greece during which she managed to pursue her passion for history.
https://tinyurl.com/Tribute-to-Lily-Macrakis

Dr Lily was my first boss! Profoundly grateful for her encouragement in the hybrid role of scholarly diligence and pioneering administrative efforts. May her memory be eternal!!!

In loving memory of my wonderful, resourceful and very kind Dean at Hellenic College and Supporter of my Consultancy, the Multiprofessional Consultants, I loved you and miss you always, Dr Macrakis.

May our good Lord rest your Soul in the blossom of Abraham where the righteous find solace and strengthen those you have left behind especially Stavros, Michelle, the grand children and relatives. May your memory be Eternal.

Lily, so grateful for the opportunity to know you. Your curiosity and hard work was an inspiration to us all.

Lily Macrakis was extraordinary, unforgettable, brilliant, warm, gracious and true. How many forces of nature like Lily can you expect to meet in a lifetime, perhaps one or two? I am forever thankful that I met Lily soon after college in the 1960s and could enjoy decades of knowing her! There are treasured memories I will never forget. The most dramatic was on the morning of April 21, 1967, when Lily knocked at my door in Belmont, MA, white as a sheet, to announce the news of a right-wing military junta happening in Greece. Then Lily raced on to the Greek Consulate in Boston. I may have heard the news even before Robert Welch, head of the John Birch Society, with HQ across the street at 395 Concord Avenue. He usually had breakfast quite early at Lieb's Delicatessen in Belmont Center.

She was a remarkable woman who brought so much energy, joy, and optimism to everything she did. She was a blessing to me in so many ways. I am grateful to have had her as my boss and colleague.

Lily, you changed my life for the better when I became your student in 1993 at Regis. You took me into realms of scholarship that I never believed I would achieve. But it was your love and respect that made me a complete person.

Lily, you and Dr. Michael shared with me your life at home. I learned how to negotiate your driveway in Belmont and then how to find parking in Cambridge.

I became a well-rounded person under your care. We ate oysters and drank martinis on the Cape. We spoke of Greece and Armenia. I learned how to become a writer under your watchful eye. And we shared our same birthday, July 6, celebrating when you returned from your summer trips to homes in Greece and especially the farm in Crete.

I was blessed to share my life with you. You made me a good woman by taking the time and care by setting an example of goodness. I became a published author and editor because you taught me how historians write about history. You, without fail, became my mentor and my friend. I cannot yet imagine this world without you.

Wherever you now go, may your earthly memory be eternal. Thank you, Lily, for all your love and care. I am what I am today due to your caring and love.

Karen King
Regis College

Dr. Lily was an amazing scholar, colleague and friend. I have fond memories of her during her tenure as the Dean of Hellenic College. She always had a smile on her face and treated everyone with dignity and respect. She will certainly be missed on the "Holy Hill." May her memory be eternal!

Lily, We all love you and your amazing life. Thank you for straightening me out in my college years. -johnny

This message of condolence is also an expression of gratitude for the privilege of having known Lily Macrakis. Lily was a woman who embodied elegance, nobility, culture, and grace. She set a remarkable example of character, loyalty, kindness, and warmth for all who knew her. May her memory be eternal, continuing to inspire those whose lives she touched, and encouraging them to uphold the same high ideals and genuine goodness.
Lewis (Elias) Patsavos