Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Opal Mozelle (Combs) Mamakos
21 May 1920 to 7 August 2018

Opal Mamakos, 98, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, August 7, 2018.  Born on May 21, 1920 to the late Robert E. Combs and Flossie D. (Foy) Combs, she was one of eight children. The family moved from North Carolina to Washington, DC where her father worked as a skilled carpenter.  Opal attended McKinley High, graduating in February 1939.  While in high school she met Steve Gus Mamakos (aka the Golden Greek, a middleweight boxing contender during the 1930s and 1940s) and married in 1941. Together they raised two daughters, Carole and Joan. 

A loving mother and homemaker, Opal (affectionately known as Grandma or MawMaw) was devoted to her grandchildren and family. She enjoyed playing Scrabble, completing crossword puzzles, and competing on the Duckpin Bowling league. She was also an expert crocheter and took great delight in sharing her projects with family and friends. 

Opal leaves behind beautiful memories and grieving hearts. She is now reunited in paradise with her husband Steve (who died of Boxer's Dementia in 2006); daughter Joan Ross; granddaughter Kim Cain; her parents; two brothers; and four sisters.

Survivors include her sister Nannie McDermott; daughter Carole (Ron) Fejeran; 12 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; an ever-increasing number of great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.  

A graveside service and interment, with her husband, will be held for Opal on Monday, August 13, 2018, at 10 am at Ft. Lincoln Cemetery, 3401 Bladensburg Road, Brentwood, MD. Online condolences and tributes may be made by using the link on this page.   

Opal M. Mamakos

Opal M. Mamakos

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