Maria E. Jepson (nee Panos), 75, of Oak Park, died on June 23, 2026. Guided by a desire to make a meaningful difference, she was a dedicated volunteer in support of the welfare of both animals and people. She was an active member of the League of Women Voters, and her commitment to helping others led her to earn her master’s degree in professional counseling in 2000. A woman of substance, an avid reader and lifelong learner, smart, strong-willed, and unapologetically opinionated, she never hid her feelings and always stood firmly in her convictions.
She took immense pride in her Greek heritage, finding joy in preserving the family traditions and recipes that connected her to her roots. Whether she was cooking a traditional Greek dish or sharing a meal with those she loved, she treated food as a love language. A gifted cook, her table was a place of warmth, connection, and lively conversation. A lover of animals, music, travel, and adventure, she lived with an open heart. Her greatest treasures, however, were her friends and family.
Maria is survived by her husband, Warren Jepson; her children, Christopher Jepson and Andrea Jepson; her siblings, George (Helen) Panos, Dean (Kristina) Panos and Athena Widner; and her nieces and nephews, Peter Panos, Andrew Panos, Michael Panos, Kristina Panos, Beau Jepson, Laurel Jepson, Natalie Jepson, Catherine Jepson, and Alex Jepson.
A memorial visitation and service were held on July 9 at Kuratko-Nosek Funeral Home, 2447 S. Desplaines Avenue in North Riverside.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Animal Care League (www.animalcareleague.org) or Sarah’s Inn (https://sarahsinn.org). Online condolences, memories, and photographs may be offered to the family at www.KuratkoNosek.com.