Maria P. Christou

Maria P. Christou, devoted wife, mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2025 in Kiato, Korinthia, Greece at age 83.
Born Maria Pappas on December 18, 1941, in Kiato, Korinthia, Greece, she was the daughter of Christos and Asimina Pappas as well as a sister to 5 siblings.
In 1964, her beloved sister Christina Weatherup along with her brother in law David Weatherup brought her back t Syracuse, New York after visiting family in Greece. She attended classes at Syracuse University and immersed herself in the Greek Community where she was introduced to Paul Christou, she knew she had met the person with whom she would build a life and family with and soon marry just 4 months later in December of 1964. Maria and Paul enjoyed a loving and supportive marriage of almost 61 years and together raised two children, Chris and Nausika in Skaneateles, New York.
Maria's life can be best encapsulated by her sense of style, grace, quiet strength, and alongside her husband, a determination to build the best life for her family. Her years working at Cooney's Closet/BF Cooney's of Skaneateles was where she enjoyed her passion for fashion. Nothing gave Maria more joy than to dress someone. Later, she supported her husband, working alongside him at their two restaurants in Syracuse until they retired.
Her pride was realized as she watched her children Chris and Nausika start and grow their business in Washington, DC, where in 1999, Maria and Paul came out of retirement to help and support their children; no question to where she wanted to be. Her support, guidance and unwavering dedication to her children and the staff was to be admired and commended for that stage in her life. But for her, life's greatest joy came from being surrounded by her grandchildren; Maxime, Paul, Ari, Ava and Alexia. They truly filled her soul. Whether taking them to Skaneateles or spending summers together in Greece, she gave each of them a piece of herself.
These are the memories we will carry and cherish forever.
A funeral service will be held on December 11, 2026 at 10 am at Saint Sophia's Greek Orthodox Church in Syracuse followed by cemetery burial at Lake View Cemetery in Skaneateles.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Maria P Christou's honor to Saint Sophia's Greek Orthodox Church, 3 Waring Rd, Syracuse, NY 13224 or Saint Katherine's Greek Orthodox Church 3149 Glen Carlyn Rd, Falls Church, VA. 22041