Stavroula "Litsa" Menounos

Stavroula "Litsa" Menounos 1954 - 2021
Canterbury - Stavroula "Litsa" Menounos, 66, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by friends and family on Greek Easter Sunday, May 2, 2021.
Born September 2, 1954, just outside Kalamata, Greece, to Anastasios and Paraskeve Kapernekas, Litsa emigrated to the United States where she met and married the love of her life, Constantinos "Costas" Menounos. Known for her amazing culinary skills and devotion to the church where she baked and sang in the choir, Litsa's career journey began working for the Somerville school cafeterias. When her daughter Maria, at age 22 became the youngest host of Entertainment Tonight, Hollywood came calling. Litsa starred in the Oxygen reality series "Chasing Maria Menounos" and co-authored the bestselling cookbook, filled with her one-of-a-kind recipes, "The EveryGirl's Guide to Cooking." Litsa appeared on many talk shows from the Today Show, Ellen, Howard Stern Show, Dr. Oz, Rachel Ray and literally countless others. She cooked for the likes of Bobby Flay, Giada Delaurentis and Rachel Ray and appeared on many red carpets and attended many Emmy, Oscar and other A-list events. She also was featured on numerous magazine covers, including People Magazine. Her brain tumor journey, coinciding coincidentally with her daughter Maria's own brain tumor, made world news and together inspired many. Rarely without a smile, forever grateful and always willing to serve and help others when called, what remained most important to Litsa were her loved ones. To that end, Litsa's healthy cooking style and strict devotion to his health, helped husband Costas become the medical marvel he is today, living well over 50 years with Type One Diabetes. Her children Maria and Peter were her top priorities as was her son-in-law, Keven Undergaro and her beloved Tibetan Spaniel, Beethoven, gifted to her by the Greek paparazzi. Litsa is survived by her husband Costas, son Peter, daughter Maria, dog Beethoven and son-in-law, Keven Undergaro.
Calling hours will be held Friday, May 7, from 9-11 am at The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 80 Water St. Danielson, followed by a funeral service at the church at 11 am. Burial will follow in Westfield Cemetery in Danielson. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Litsa's honor to the Brain Trust at Cedars-Sinai with proceeds going to brain research and treatment https://giving.cedars-sinai.edu/brain-trust/make-a-gift. tillinghastfh.com