The funeral of Maro Kontou was held in an atmosphere of deep emotion, with Angela Gerekou delivering a profoundly moving eulogy for the celebrated actress, bidding her farewell with words filled with love, admiration, and gratitude. The bond between the two women extended far beyond their professional collaboration on the series Land of Olive Trees, where Maro Kontou played Angela Gerekou’s mother. Over the years, the two actresses forged a powerful connection and a deeply personal relationship that transcended the boundaries of the television screen.
“I learned so much from you”
During the eulogy, Angela Gerekou spoke about how they first met and the moments they shared, both in front of and behind the cameras. “I knew you and admired you always. But these last five years, through our collaboration, I learned so much from the remarkable actress that you were. And behind the cameras, I learned even more, when we shared so many moments and truly bonded,” she said. The actress and politician emphasized that Maro Kontou had been a pillar of strength for her and those around her, offering love and support during difficult times. “You stood by me, just as you stood by all of us, in our hardest moments. Together we cried, together we laughed, together we lived beautiful moments with our loved ones and our friends,” she said, visibly moved.
“A role model of womanhood, kindness, and generosity”
Angela Gerekou went on to reflect on the life lessons she had received from Maro Kontou, describing her as a woman of rare integrity and strength of character. “You taught me that a truly great actress can be, above all, a truly great human being. You were an extraordinary woman who gave me — who gave all of us — lessons for life,” she noted. She made special mention of the advice Maro Kontou had shared with her about life and the value of living in the present moment. “You used to tell me not to look back. You told me that we are all passing through, and that we should not fear the end, as long as we love life every day and live in the here and now,” she recalled. Closing her deeply emotional tribute, Angela Gerekou bid farewell to Maro Kontou with words that captured the profound admiration and love she held for her. “To me, you were a brave and fierce woman — a role model of womanhood, kindness, generosity, friendship, and humor. I will always seek your counsel, I will carry you in my soul forever, and I will love you always. Safe travels, mama Marina,” she said, moving everyone present at her final resting place to tears.
