Florence Vlahos Matsos, 96, passed away on Saturday, May 26. Florence was born in Chicago, Illinois, before moving with her family to the south. She spent her early years in Birmingham, Alabama, helping her family build their renowned southern franchise of candy stores, Mary Ball Candies. She attended Birmingham Southern College, where she studied interior design.
After marrying and having four children, Florence continued her studies at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) and went on to become the head of interior decorating for Pizitz Department Store in Huntsville. She joined her husband Alex Matsos in the management of Michael’s Restaurant, the eating and meeting place of the movers and shakers of Huntsville’s business elite and high-ranking government officials. It was the place to be and Florence knew it and loved it. She continued her love of knowledge throughout her life with adult studies at UAH, ranging from piano, to antiques, to computers.
Florence was a long-standing member of the Greek Orthodox Church and Philoptochos Society. She was a member of Beta Pi chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha for over 44 years and participated in all aspects – with roles from Easter Seals chairman to president of the chapter (2003). She hosted several charity events at Michael’s Restaurant (St. Jude Casino Night) and her son’s restaurant, Papou’s.
Florence enjoyed an intense passion for life and loved traveling, singing and especially dancing. With her quick wit and strong will, she entertained and charmed all who were around her – if you met her, you loved her.
Florence was preceded in death by her husband, Alexander Matsos and her sons, Chris Matsos and Alex “Ted” Matsos II. She is survived by her daughter, Helen Matsos; her son, Tim Matsos and wife, LeeAnn; and their daughters, Elizabeth Matsos Stechman, Annette Matsos Perry and Maria Matsos; and great-grandson James Stechman.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 30, at Holy Cross-Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 3021 University Drive. The funeral service will be held the following morning at 10:30 a.m. at the church with a luncheon directly after the service. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Holy Cross-Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church of Huntsville.
