Toronto’s real estate community is grieving and in shock following the death of esteemed realtor Lillian Adamakis, 73, a long-time fixture in the city’s east end.
Active in the industry for over 40 years, Adamakis was recognized as a trailblazer, says Candace Kaszas, broker of record with Keller Williams Advantage, where Adamakis had worked for the past 12 years.
Affectionately nicknamed ‘Diamond Lil,” Adamakis was well-known and liked in the industry. “She was a presence, a breath of fresh air…always so passionate about doing the right thing,” Kaszas says. “It’s a huge loss.”
On Oct. 28, according to police, Adamakis lost control of her car after opening the door to access the parking gate at Toronto Western Hospital, causing her to fall out while the vehicle was in motion and sustain fatal injuries. It’s been reported that she was at the hospital that day to visit her ailing ex-husband, Steen, with whom she’d remained close.
Other loved ones she is survived by include her sister Tasi (Norm) and a host of additional family and extended family members, along with dear friends, colleagues, and clients whose life she touched.
The family describes Adamakis as a force of nature in her obituary, with an infectious laugh and an immeasurable zest for life. “She gave us decades of joy, love, loyalty and opinions,” the obit states.
Adamakis grew up in Quebec City. In 1979, after several years abroad, she began her real estate career in Toronto. In 1986 she was named the Toronto Real Estate Board’s top salesperson of the year. Production awards kept on coming. Many of her clients stayed with her for years, even decades. She was a firm believer that the best way to generate business is to stay connected with established clients.
It was a practice that fulfilled and sustained her. In a REM article in 2013, Adamakis was quoted as saying, “I love people and enjoy seeing their kids grow up. I get close to clients. That’s what keeps me going. When listing, I tell my clients I want them to love me…I love my career.”
She was with Terry Martel Real Estate and then Darrell Kent (both now long closed). Following that, she was with Re/Max Hallmark Realty for 16 years. Broker/owner Ken McLachlan recalls that Adamakis was “not shy” about expressing her opinion and was fiercely protective of her clients’ interests.
“She truly was extraordinary,” says McLachlan, who cites her “abundance with people” – notably her integrity and generosity – as her greatest strengths.
Adamakis was passionate about giving back to the community and beyond. This was seen in her philanthropy and involvement with everything from school breakfast clubs to large global initiatives such as The Hunger Project Canada.
She loved animals, her two cats in particular. She was a terrific cook and an avid traveller, with Greece and San Miguel de Allende in Mexico being among her favourite repeat destinations.
McLachlan has heard from many people who are shattered by her death. “Certainly, she was loved,” he says.
Those wishing to honour the memory of Adamakis can make a donation to The Hunger Project Canada.
A celebration of life will be held on Nov. 9 from 11 am to 1 pm at Lambton Golf & Country Club in Toronto.
Susan Doran is a Toronto-based freelance writer who has been contributing to REM since its very first issue.
