Mary Giannaris

Presvytera Mary Giannaris, 84, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Saturday, March 11, 2017. She was born to John and Eleni Croussouloudis in Manhattan, New York and spent her childhood years in Chios, Greece growing up with her twin sister, Despina Croussouloudis and older sister, Presvytera Stella Constantelos, of blessed memory. After returning to New York, she graduated from Hunter College with a degree in home economics and nutrition. She and Fr. George, of blessed memory, married in June, 1956 and a few weeks later Fr. George was ordained as a Greek Orthodox priest and Mary began her journey as a presvytera.

As a young presvytera, Mary participated in communities in Harrisburg, and Ambridge, Pennsylvania and the cathedral in New York. After a transfer to Waukegan, Illinois, her dream to raise a family was realized when her daughters, Cathy and Joanne were born. A few years later, the family moved to Chicago and then to Reading, PA, where Mary worked as a food microbiologist at Ludens Candy for many years until their move to Youngstown, Ohio. Following Youngstown, they spent two years in Frederick, Maryland where Presvytera Mary had the honor of naming the new church, Saints Peter and Paul, their last full time community. Upon retirement, she and Fr. George joined the Holy Trinity community in Wilmington, DE.

During her years of service, Presvytera Mary gained respect for the support and counsel she provided to many parishioners and her dedication to the church. She served in a variety of volunteer roles including Sunday school teacher and director, Greek school teacher, and Philoptochos board member and treasurer. She enjoyed many hobbies and activities like cooking delicious Greek food for her children and grandchildren, gardening, making all types of house repairs, designing beautiful crafts, and entertaining family, friends, bishops and parish councils.

Pres. Mary will be remembered for her selfless and caring ways. She always put others before herself – especially her family. Her quiet and dignified spirit inspired strength and fortitude in those around her. She was a role model to many.

Mary is preceded by her husband, Fr. George Giannaris, her sister, Presvytera Stella Constantelos, and her brother-in-law, Fr. Demetrios Constantelos. Mary is survived by her two daughters, Cathy Ziccarelli and her husband Lou of Wilmington, Delaware, Joanne Giannaris and her husband Carlos Delgado of Houston, Texas, grandchildren Michael and Elena Ziccarelli and Niko Delgado, twin sister, Despina Croussouloudis of Queens, New York and many loving in-laws, nephews, nieces, cousins, and godchildren.

The family would like to thank family and friends for all their loving support and the caring nurses from the Forum residence and the dedicated hospice nurses from Amed.