MARIA E. FLANNERY

1938 - 2023

FLANNERY, MARIA E. Maria E. Flannery (nee Gounelas) was born on February 26, 1938, in Spata, Greece, and died peacefully, in her sleep, at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Toronto, Canada, on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, in her 84th year. An entrepreneur, world traveller, writer, and occasional television personality, she survived war, cancer, and a stroke to create a life full of stories, adventure, and rich relationships. She was brave in the pursuit of her passion for travel, organizing tours to previously closed nations such as the Soviet Union and China during the Cold War. She challenged gender stereotypes in travel and business, starting her own tour company in the 1970s and travelling to countries of interest regardless of politics, religion, or cultural barriers. She was a consummate event planner in her professional work but most enjoyed hosting friends and family in her home where no one left without their fill of travel stories and food. In 2009, she was predeceased by her beloved husband of 48 years, Dr. John G. Flannery. Mother to Nereida, James (Linsey), and her 'adoptive' daughter, Lorraine Lawson (Michael Marcus); and Yiayia to Maremilia, Sharkey, Jack, Malte, Rachel, and Nathan, she is missed deeply. Predeceased by her sister, Tasoula; she is survived and mourned by her brothers, Demetrius (Ruth) and Nikos, as well as their children. Visitation will take place on Sunday, February 5, 2023, from 9:30–11 a.m. at Mount Pleasant Funeral Centre (375 Mount Pleasant Rd., Toronto) followed by a Funeral Service at 11 a.m. Burial to follow at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.etouch.ca