Maria E. Jepson

Maria E. Jepson (nee Panos), age 75, of Oak Park Illinois, passed away on June 23, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of strength, compassion and a loving, vibrant spirit.

She will be remembered for her care for all of life’s creatures. Guided by a desire to make a meaningful difference she was a dedicated volunteer in support of the welfare of both animals and all people. She was an active member of the League of Women Voters, and her commitment to helping others led her to earn her Masters in Professional Counseling in 2000.

Maria was 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, a trait that earned her the respect of those who knew her well. 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 up a traditional Greek dish or sharing a meal with those she loved, she treated food as a love language. She was a gifted cook whose table was a place of warmth, connection, and lively conversation. A lover of animals, music, travel, and adventure, Maria lived with an open heart. Her greatest treasures, however, were her friends and family, whom she cherished above all else.

She cared for and loved her family; 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.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Animal Care League or Sarah's Inn.