Maria Kalafatis - Obituary

aria George Kalafatis passed away at 6:20 am on Monday September 13 in the home she loved on the Chesapeake. She had been in hospice care for two weeks lovingly cared for by her daughter Allie, her son, Steve and and husband Jim. They had recently celebrated her 76th birthday and 54th wedding anniversary. After a two year battle she had bravely fought with cancer, the Lord freed her from the earthly ravages of the disease that had robbed her of her wit, her charm, and personality. When the time finally came to find peace, she was surrounded and comforted by those who had meant the most to her. Maria was born on August 4, 1945 to Spiros and Cleo George in New York City. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in June of 1967 achieving her childhood dream of becoming a teacher. Several months later she married Jim Kalafatis, and started teaching fourth grade at the Lindbergh Elementary school in Palisades Park, New Jersey. After teaching for 5 years she dedicated her energy to the full time job of raising a family. The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Maria. She loved a quiet evening with friends and a glass of wine in hand. Maria and her family moved seven times. Life became a wild ride of new experiences, and making lasting friendships in every community they became a part of. Her greatest joy in life started in 2010 when Allie, and her husband Nick finally gave us the gifts of our grandson, Athan, followed by the birth of Alexander in 2012. Maria had finally become a yiayia at the age of 65! Greek yiayia’s never say no to their grand children, and she enjoyed spoiling them. The two boys loved her and brought great joy to her life. Maria had an uncanny ability to find and spread happiness in her daily activities Her outgoing personality endeared her to everyone she met. Old friends always sought her advice. She was kind, thoughtful, compassionate and generous. Maria loved to travel. She spent many months in Greece with Jim, when her husband worked there. They visited many countries over the decades and she and Jim made many lasting friendships with people from all walks of life. At home she enjoyed beach combing on morning walks, looking for old sea glass that had washed ashore. One of her favorite things was watching daybreak over the Chesapeake. She loved cooking Greek meals and listening to Greek music. She also enjoyed the romantic songs of Elvis, Dean Martin, and Julio Iglesias. Maria is survived by her husband, Jim, her son Steve, her daughter Allie Angelis, and her husband Nick; her grandchildren Athanasios and Alexander; her two younger sisters, Sandy Cocuzza (Ron) and Penny Raggi (Lou); and her brother in law Tony Voulgaris (Helen) She will also be missed by her nieces and nephews, Renee Raggi Burton, Michael Raggi, Carrisa and Alex Cocuzza, Debbie Voulgaris, and Diana Russo. Maria Kalafatis Memorial Video In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Damon Runyon Cancer fund, or Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 2747 Riva Rd., Annapolis, MD.