Mary B. Pantazis' Obituary
Mary Birbelis Pantazis and cherished Yiayia, of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, passed away peacefully in her home on the evening of February 5, 2015 at the age of 94.
She was born in Lowell, Massachusetts on July 11, 1920, daughter of the late Peter Birbelis and Antonina Kolias. Mary grew up in Albany, New York and later moved to Silver Spring, Maryland. She retired to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. She juggled two careers as a federal government worker and a restaurateur.
As a thrifty fashionista, Mary always took pride in finding the best deals in town. She walked tall in her high heels until the last day of her life and was a well-known, friendly face around town. She was a savvy businesswoman and gifted baker who was thrilled to pass on her knowledge of yummy Greek recipes to her grandchildren. Yiayia made the best baklava EVER; she filled our hearts and our stomachs.
Mary supported her family in their many endeavors and made an impact on all those she met. She had an impressive life-her friends called her “the butterfly” and described her as elegant and giving. Mary loved fiercely and gave unto others until her last day. She was an active member of the St. George Greek Orthodox Church, St. Andrew Orthodox Church, and The Ladies Philoptochos Society. All will miss her sparkling personality, infectious laughter, beautiful smile and unending generosity.
In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Pantazis and adored grandson, James “Jimmy” Poston. She is survived by her two daughters: Joy Smith and husband Steven of Lewes, DE; and Donna Moore and husband Timothy of Frederick, MD as well as her sister Polly Chakmakas of Schenectady, NY. Her precious grandchildren: Tia Dimopoulos and husband Nikos; Kim Dow and husband Jimmy; Chrissy Moore; Peter Pantazis; and Jonathan Troop and wife Sachie will miss her dearly. Mary treasured her great-grandchildren, Dimos, Zoe and Alexandra Dimopoulos.
Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2015, at 10:00 AM, at Saint Andrew The Apostle Orthodox Church, 33384 Mackenzie Way, Lewes, DE 19958, where friends may call beginning at 9:00 AM. Friends may also call on Monday, February 9, 2015 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the church. Interment will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2015, at 1:00 PM, at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro, DE.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mary's memory to Saint Andrew the Apostle Orthodox Church, 33384 Mackenzie Way, Lewes, DE 19958 or St. Georges Greek Orthodox Church, 8805 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842.
Please sign Mary's guestbook located on this site.
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