Maria Kolyvas, devout Orthodox Christian
Maria Kolyvas, 74, fell asleep in the Lord Monday, May 20, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.
She was predeceased by her parents, Christopher and Evagelia Kondogeorgis; and her son, Christopher Kolyvas (1974-2019).
Maria was born May 14, 1950, in Eglouvi, Lefkada, Greece. She came to the United States in 1970 when she married Vassilios Kolyvas, also from Lefkada. She worked several jobs and ultimately was a seamstress as her last career. Vassilios and Maria raised their children, Vasilike and Christopher, in Adelphi, Md., and attended Sts. Constantine and Helen of DC. Later, they retired to Milton, where they became active members of St. Andrew the Apostle Orthodox Church in Lewes.
She is survived by her loving husband, Vassilios; her daughter Vasilike (Vincent) Petersen and adoring granddaughter Maria Evagelia Petersen; her sister Toula (Christos) Grapsas of Australia, and brothers, Leonidas (Maria) Kondogeorgis and Gerasimos (Spiridoula) Kondogeorgis, both of Greece; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins in Greece and Australia.
Maria was known for her loving and giving nature. She wanted everyone to feel comfortable in her home and was the epitome of filoxenia. She had an infectious laugh and took pride in passing on many Greek traditions to her granddaughter, whom she talked to every day. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, sewing and reading. She was a devout Orthodox Christian and was immersed in the church community at St. Andrew.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday May 30, at St. Andrew the Apostle Orthodox Church, 33384 Mackenzie Way, Lewes, where viewing will being at 10 a.m. Interment will follow the services at St. Peter’s Cemetery, Pilottown Road, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in memory of Maria Kolyvas to either Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church of Washington, DC, 721 Norwood Road, Silver Spring, MD 20905; or St. Andrew the Apostle Orthodox Church, 33384 Mackenzie Way, Lewes, DE 19958.
