Lillian Caporal Gambulos, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, passed peacefully from this life at the age of 84. Lillian was born in Oklahoma City, the youngest of four children of Sam and Demetra (Gregori) Caporal. Her parents came to Oklahoma City from Sparta, Greece and were early movie theater pioneers who owned and operated Caporal Independent Theaters. Lillian grew up working in the theaters with her family, which instilled not only an encyclopedic knowledge of old Hollywood, but a strong work ethic and sense of service that continued throughout her life. Lillian graduated from Classen High School in 1951 and attended Stephens College in Columbia, MO where she studied home economics and music. A gifted singer, Lillian entertained those around her with her beautiful voice and it was a family treat to watch The Sound of Music with her singing along. Her artistic talent and creativity was also expressed in her love of ceramics and knitting. In 1955 she married Charles Gambulos and moved to Dallas, TX where she worked with her husband in the family restaurant business and gave birth to two daughters, Amy and Demee. Lillian and daughters moved back to the Caporal family home in Oklahoma City in 1968 where she was an active mother and devoted school volunteer. Lillian went on to work for her family in the liquor business and later in retail. She will be lovingly remembered for her kindness, strength of character, determination and for the fierce independence which she fostered in her children and grandchildren. She will also be remembered by family and friends for her love of late night card games, expertise at crossword puzzles and Words with Friends, and the always open and welcoming place at her dinner table. Her love of cooking and the loving way she taught those skills are lasting legacies among her children and grandchildren. Lillian is predeceased by her beloved parents; brothers George Caporal, Peter Caporal and Chris Caporal; sisters-in-law Helen Caporal and Argie Caporal and nephew Sam Peter Caporal. She is survived by her loving children, Amy and David Cottrell of Oklahoma City, OK and Demee Gambulos and Kenneth Goldstein of Brookline, MA, and her cherished grandchildren Alley Cottrell, Elena Goldstein, Maren Cottrell and Jillian Goldstein. Lillian was “Aunt Lil” to her nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly Cindy Coate, Christy Caporal, Carrie Caporal, Dee Hoshall, Sam George Caporal, Demee Caporal Klonis, Debby Dudman, Kathryn Carey, Ellen Gambulos Cody and their families and friends. She is survived by sisters-in-law Toula Caporal and Patricia Gambulos and brother-in-law Byron Gambulos. A memorial to honor and celebrate Lillian’s life and legacy will be held Saturday, December 15 at 11am at All Souls’ Episcopal Church, Nichols Hills, OK. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lillian’s name to Infant Crisis Services, the Integris Hospice House or a charity of your choice.
