Patricia Diamondidis - Obituary

atricia Kallis Diamondidis, 70, died on June 11, 2008, at the Casey House Hospice facility in Rockville, Maryland of cancer after a three and a half year illness. Born May 21, 1938, in Annapolis, MD, she loved the city and its residents her entire life. She graduated from Annapolis High School and Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. She was the owner and president of Highway and Safety Services, Inc. in Gaithersburg, MD. She founded her construction company, Highway and Safety Services, Inc. (HSS) in 1987 as she approached her 52nd birthday. In 1995, the National Association of Women Business Owners recognized HSS as being one of the top 50 Women Owned Businesses in Washington, D.C. HSS's work in Maryland was recognized by the State of Maryland's Maryland Quality Initiative Program by winning its subcontractor Award of Excellence in 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2005. In June 2005, Pat became the first woman to be inducted into the Maryland Highway Contractor's Association's Hall of Leadership. She was appointed by Governor Ehrlich to the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Advisory Group. She was president of the Maryland Chapter of Women Construction Owners and Executives for three years. Pat was twice invited by President Bush to the White House to discuss business and economic issues. She was a member of Ss. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Annapolis, MD. She is survived by her children, Chris Diamondidis of Severna Park, Maryland, John Diamondidis of Frederick, Maryland, and Elaine Diamondidis of Rockville, Maryland and six grandchildren. Beloved sister of Nick Kallis of Stevensville, MD, Tom Kallis of Severna Park, MD, George Kallis of Manhattan Beach, CA and Elaine Vassas of Silver Spring, MD Friends are invited to Patricia's Life Celebration on Sunday, June 15, 2008, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, Maryland. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, June 16, 2008, at 12:00 p.m. at the Ss. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church located at 2747 Riva Road, Annapolis, Maryland 21401. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Patricia Kallis Diamondidis Scholarship Fund at 18960 Woodfield Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20879. Please sign the guestbook at www.kalasfuneralhomes.com