Maria L. Kontakos

Maria L. Kontakos, 84, a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2026, in Sparta, Greece.

Born on October 1, 1941, in Paleopanagia, Greece, to Elias and Constantina Spyridakos, Maria was raised in the foothills of Mount Taygetos alongside her beloved sisters and brothers. From an early age, she embraced the rich traditions of her homeland, developing the strong work ethic, unwavering faith, and generous spirit that would define her life. Even as a young girl, she was known for her quiet acts of kindness — delivering meals to neighbors in need and bringing medicine to the sick — gestures that reflected her lifelong commitment to caring for others.

In 1957, Maria emigrated to the United States. She married Louis G. Kontakos, and together they built a life grounded in the same traditions with which they were raised. Side by side, they operated their family restaurant in Schenectady, New York.

In the mid-1970s, Maria found fulfillment in her work with the Visiting Nurses Association of Schenectady and later as a private-duty caregiver. To Maria, caregiving was not simply a profession — it was a calling. Her patients quickly became like family, touched by her warmth, attentiveness, and gentle strength.

During their retirement years, Maria and Louis cherished a life divided between summers in Greece and winters in Florida. No matter where they were, their greatest joy was time spent with their grandchildren. Maria rarely missed a school event or sporting game, proudly cheering from the sidelines and celebrating every milestone with boundless love.

Deeply devoted to her faith, Maria was a longtime member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church and the Ladies Philophtohos Society. Her spirituality guided her daily life and anchored her through both joyful and challenging times.

Maria will be remembered for her gracious presence and her generous heart. She was an exceptional cook and baker, known for preparing meals with the freshest ingredients from her garden and for her outstanding Greek baked goods that she loved to share with family and friends.

She was predeceased by her husband, Louis; her son, George L. Kontakos; and her brother, Peter Spyridakos.

Maria is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Valerie and Michael D'Amario; her daughter-in-law, Stephanie Kontakos; her cherished grandsons, Louis Kontakos, Nicholas (Emily), Steve (Caitlin), Alex, and Mikey D'Amario; her beloved granddaughter, Valerie Keefer (Alex); and four adored great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Tom Spyridakos; her loving sisters, Potoula Hantzakou and Vicki Fraggis; and many treasured nieces and nephews in both the United States and Greece.

Maria was laid to rest beside her husband in their hometown of Paleopanagia, Greece.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 107 Clinton Street, Schenectady, NY 12305. Memorial contributions may be made in Maria's memory to St. George Greek Orthodox Church.