Maria DeMakas

MARIA M. DeMAKAS 90 died June 23 2010 at her home in Crown Point of natural causes. Survived by her sons John (Meg) and Tom (Shelia) grandchildren Michael (Courtney) Mark (Beth) Joshua Mattheos Erik Tom Jessica Amanda and Andrew brothers Jim (Thespina) and Louie (Denise) and a brother and sister in Greece nieces and nephews: Myra Tommy Tom Basil and Miriam numerous nieces and nephews in Greece. She is preceded in death by her husband Mattheos. Mrs. DeMakas was born April 30 1920 in Distimo Greece to Anastacios and Kalamera (Papanikolou) Vasilarakos. Maria survived a Nazi assault on her village in which hundreds were massacred one afternoon as reported in Life magazines November 27 1944 issue. She married Mattheos DeMakas on February 3 1945. She joined her husband in America with her first-born son John in 1949 taking the first transatlantic airplane flight. Thomas her second son was born in America. The family settled in Gary Indiana where Maria was an excellent wife mother homemaker legendary cook to her family and two brothers and orphan girl from Distimo who she raised.She was a gracious hostess to her many friends and relatives. She was a member of SS. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral and the Distimo Society. Her family wrote: Maria loved her husband and family. She also enjoyed meeting and sharing stories and offering advice with everyone she met. She was the beauty of Distimo and a very sophisticated woman in America. She will be missed greatly by her family and everyone whose lives she touched. Friends may call at Pruzin Brothers Funeral Service 6360 Broadway Merrillville Sunday June 27 2010 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Prayer Service at 5:00 p.m. Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Monday June 28 2010 DIRECTLY at SS. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral 8000 Madison St. Merrillville with Fr. Ted Poteres and Fr. Chris Margellos officiating. At rest Calumet Park Cemetery Merrillville. Maria came from a long line of ancient Greeks who did not believe in obituaries but asked one question of life: Did you live your life with passion? Yes Maria lived her life with passion. From the shadow of Mt. Parnassus in Distimo to America she had passion. Maria had great passion for the love of her family. Maria was a Greek column to her family and will always remain so in our hearts.

Maria DeMakas

April 30, 1920 - June 23, 2010