Peabody - Pauline (Bakeras) Tilas, 97, of Peabody, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026. Born on February 13, 1929 in Peabody, she was the daughter of Thomas and Mary (Sperounis) Bakeras. Pauline was the beloved wife of the late Stephen E. Tilas and the devoted mother of Angelo Tilas and his wife Linda Mather, Thomas Tilas and his wife Kim Marshall-Tilas, and Stephen Tilas and his fiancée Christine Ransley.

Known affectionately as Yia Yia Pauline, she was cherished by her grandchildren: Paula (Tilas) Jackson, Michael Tilas and his husband Jeff Dalio, Jennifer (Tilas) Wedgewood and her husband Aaron Wedgewood, Christopher Tilas and his wife Kelly (Rabkin) Tilas, Alexandra (Tilas) Cote and her husband Andrew Cote, and Thomas Marshall Tilas.

She was blessed with great‑grandchildren Steven Woodworth and his fiancée Haley Mays, Heather Leblanc and her husband Ian Leblanc, Jaiden Wedgewood and his partner Olivia Broadhurst, Joni Tilas, Piper Tilas, and Max Henry Cote.

Her legacy lives on through her great‑great‑grandchildren: Austin Leblanc, Cameron Leblanc, Steven Leblanc, and Ethan Leblanc.

Pauline also leaves behind a large and loving extended family, including many brothers‑ and sisters‑in‑law, nieces, nephews, and godchildren—each of whom held a special place in her life and heart.

And, of course, the family compound dog, Ella.

Pauline lived a long, beautiful life marked by love, generosity, and devotion to her family. As the matriarch of a large Greek family, and Queen of Pauline's Way and the Tilas Compound she helped raise multiple generations, sharing joy, wisdom, and treasured family recipes along the way. A lifelong member of St. Vasilios Church and a proud graduate of Peabody High School's Class of 1946, Pauline lived her faith and values every day.

In 1950, she married the love of her life, Steve, and together they built a life full of adventure and hard work. They owned and operated a convenience store in South Peabody, several rental properties, and a liquor store in downtown Peabody. Pauline was Steve's steady support during his years as a Peabody city councilor. The couple traveled widely, road‑tripped across the United States, and enjoyed 14 wonderful years living in Fort Myers, Florida. Everywhere they went they made lifelong friends.

Pauline welcomed everyone into her home, which was always filled with warmth, laughter, great stories, and delicious food. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and family traditions that will endure for generations.

Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours at Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn Street, Peabody, on Friday, March 13, 2026 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Her funeral service will be held at St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church in Peabody on Saturday, March 14 at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Peabody. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pauline's name to St Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church, 5 Paleologos St., Peabody, MA 01960 or by visiting www.stvasilios.org. For online guestbook, please visit www.ccbfuneral.com.