Our beloved mother, Maria Katsarakis, age 78, died peacefully on February 5, 2014 in Irvine, California. She is survived by her two daughters and five grandchildren of Southern California, her younger brother of Alabama and numerous relatives in Greece.

Maria was born in Greece and immigrated to America in 1955. She married her husband Lambro in Mobile, Alabama and later raised their children in Florida. In 1985, they moved to California and settled in Irvine, California.

Maria's greatest passion was raising her two daughters and imparting her love of the Greek culture and her strong Orthodox Christian beliefs.

Maria had a zest for life and was always on the go! She loved sewing, music, dancing, swimming, and taking long walks. Traveling was another great interest. Whether she was exploring her native Greece, Europe or traveling through the USA, she was up for any adventure to see the world. When she was at home, volunteering at church was very important to her.

In her later years, she never missed an opportunity to impart some words of wisdom to those around her. She always had the ability to turn strangers into friends with her outgoing personality.

May her memory be eternal. She would always say "family first and keep praying". She will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to St. Paul's Greek Orthodox Church in her memory. Mail to: 4949 Alton Parkway, Irvine, California, 92604.