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WARREN -- Mary Spanakis Maris, 91, passed away surrounded by the love of family Friday, May 20, 2022, at the home of one of her daughters. An irrepressible spirit, Mary always managed to carry a quick wit, a great sense of humor, a deep curiosity, a creative flair and an uncanny ability to endear all who met her.
Born on the Greek island of Symi in 1930, Mary as a young child emigrated to Warren, where she lived with her parents, Yiannis and Sevasti Spanakis, her three sisters and her brother. She and her sisters all became hairdressers and worked at the family-owned Mar-Fae Beauty Salon after they graduated from Warren G. Harding High School.
Mary wed the love of her life, Theodore "Ted" Maris, in 1954, and raised three children together. The couple were fixtures in Warren's St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church and Greek-American Community. They treasured their heritage and, above all else, philoxenia -- or the welcoming of people into their home. Theirs was a beautiful home built of love and hard work, embellished by custom details such as Mary's stained glass and the pair's landscaping and gardening vision. It was always open to friends and family and was site to numerous parties and lamb roasts.
Mary is survived by her children, George (Patricia) Maris of Villa Hills, Ky., Jayne (Chris) Chatzidakis of Barrington, Ill., and Suzanne (Jim) Santos of Riverwoods, Ill.; as well as her seven grandchildren, Theo and Peter Maris, Maria and Dori Chatzidakis and Mara, Talia and Michael Santos; sisters, Faye (Nick) Paidas and Betty Spanakis; brother, Michael Spanakis; and many beloved nieces and nephews, wonderful caregivers and countless numbers of her grandchildren's friends, who lovingly called her Yiayia.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and her sister, Joy Spanakis.
Family and friends may pay their respects 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., with a 6 p.m. Trisagion service, Thursday, May 26, 2022, at the Peter Rossi and Son Memorial Chapel, 1884 North Road NE, Warren, and again 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, May 27, 2022, at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 429 High St. NE, Warren.
The funeral service will be 11 a.m. Friday at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, with the Rev. Constantine Valantasis and the Rev. Demetri Constantine officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contribution be made in her memory to St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 429 High St. NE, Warren, OH 44481.
Family and friends may visit www.peterrossiandsonfh.com to view this obituary and send condolences to the family.
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