Maria (Karagianni) Parmakis

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Maria Parmakis (née Karagianni), who peacefully departed from us on December 15, 2024. Born on August 31, 1939, in Voutiro, Evrytanias, Greece, Maria's life was a testament to resilience, love, and dedication to her family and friendships.

 In her younger years, Maria faced the challenges of growing up in post war Greece laboring as a crop worker, embodying strength and determination she carried throughout her life. She emigrated to Melbourne, Australia, working in factories until she married and became a full-time mother and homemaker. Her experiences instilled a desire to ensure her children would grow to be educated and ethical adults.

 In 1973, the family made their home in North Arlington, New Jersey, where Maria continued to nurture her family. Maria was generous, welcoming, and always ready to lend a helping hand or share a kind word.  Over the years, Maria enjoyed caring for a menagerie of family pets including birds and dogs. An avid soccer and tennis fan, Maria found joy in cheering for her favorite teams and telling us all about the highlights. She also believed in luck, always reminding us to buy a lottery ticket, just in case.

 Maria leaves behind her devoted husband of 58 years, Dimitrios, and her beloved children, Sarantis Parmakis of Quincy, Massachusetts and Georgia Parmakis of Athens, Greece. 

She is also survived by her ‘partner in crime’ and sister-in-law, Stacy Parmakis, her favorite brother-in-law, Angelo Parmakis, and sister-in-law, Katina Tsiamstsiouris, of North Arlington, NJ, and beloved nieces and nephews: Mary Parmakis, Giorgia Parmakis, Ronnie Parmakis, and Jim Tsiamstsiouris.

Maria is also remembered fondly by her four sisters and brother in Greece, her extended Parmakis family, and her sister in Australia. 

A private family viewing and service will be held on Thursday, December 19th before being laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington, NJ. If you wish to honor Maria’s memory, you may make a donation to St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center http://sthuberts.org, reflecting her generous and caring spirit. And if further inclined, go buy a lottery ticket, think of Maria, and, if you win big, make another donation in her honor!

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