Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Maria 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.

<a href="https://vimeo.com/user3646389/mariakalafatis">Maria Kalafatis Memorial Video</a>

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. 


Maria Kalafatis

Maria Kalafatis

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