Mary Charatis Burpulis took her final journey on August 28, 2022.
Mary was born with her twin brother George on October 7, 1924 in Detroit, Michigan. The daughter of Zacharias (Jack) and Irene Charatis (Hereti) who migrated from the island of Crete, Greece. Although Mary was a life-long professional educator, she was most importantly a loving wife and mother. She leaves behind her beloved husband John, of 59 years, loving son Byron and his beautiful wife Kecia, her lovely daughter Barbara. Predeceased by her precious twin brother George.
At five years old, Mary’s family made the trans-Atlantic trip from Greece. Mary’s parents decided to return to Greece to re-establish residence. After only ten months, they reversed their decision, recognizing the wonderful opportunity that is the “American Dream.” The family returned to the States so Mary and George could have a better life.
Mary had a passion for learning, graduated from Northwestern High School in Detroit as Valedictorian, and awarded a scholarship to Wayne State University. After earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree, she was awarded a second scholarship at Wayne, and completed her Master’s degree in Business Education.
Mary’s first job was at Denby High School in Detroit where she was Administer/Coordinator of their co-operative training program. Mary was a pioneer in the field of Cooperative Education and served on several committees in Michigan. Years later, she continued her studies at the Teachers College of Columbia University. Mary completed all her course work for a doctorate and then met John Burpulis, married in 1963, and embarked on their life together.
Mary continued on her teaching path: Administrator/Coordinator of Co-operative Education at Denby High School; Coordinator for Orientation and Training at U.S. Trust Bank; Teacher and Coordinator for Distributive Education at Wilmington High School; Assistant Professor at the University of Delaware School of Business; Assistant Professor at the Community College of Philadelphia School of Business; Teacher in Court Reporting Program at Temple University; Training Consultant, conducting seminars for the Office of Personnel Management and Department of Agriculture Graduate School – broad traveling and teaching at the Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, Marines, and variety of Federal facilities such as San Juan, Puerto Rico; and served as President of Professional Seminar Associates conducting seminars for various industries and business organizations.
John and Mary had an exciting life of 59 years working together to achieve their mutual dreams. Raising their children, traveling domestically and abroad, and becoming avid adventurers. Creating valuable experiences with their children in the formative years, across our great country, with their camper. Visiting our natural wonders and national landmarks, building great bonds and memories! At age 75, Mary retired from teaching and turned towards new endeavors, spending winters in Marco Island, Florida with John. A time for them to relax and rejuvenate.
Mary kept learning and focused her creative passions on becoming a skilled weaver of her loom, quilter and also a crafted sewer of placemats, purses, window treatments and upholstery and other projects. Additionally, she taught herself how to make costume jewelry. All provided a sense of creative accomplishment from concept to completion. Mary was a dedicated wife, mother, sister and friend, and will be remembered for her loving commitment to whomever and whatever she undertook. Mary had an ability to exercise patience when challenges arose, using her compassion towards a situation, and with her family and friends who needed support. Mary had a delicate, friendly personality and was gentle and unassuming with everyone she met. Oftentimes, Mary mentioned that when she embarked on the Yellow Brick Road to Paradise, she would look forward to dancing the pentozali (a Cretan dance) and singing mantinades (Cretan poems) all the way there.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Pan-Cretan Association of America Scholarship Fund, Attn: General Secretary-Dianne Sophinos, 338 Bayberry Drive, Lake Park, FL 33403-3425
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