Maria Gerontides

In Loving Memory of Maria Gerontides January 6, 1934 – August 4, 2025 Maria Gerontides passed away peacefully on August 4, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, at the age of 91. She was born on Epiphany Day, January 6, 1934, in Drama-a town nestled in East Macedonia and Thrace region of Greece. The daughter of Sophia and Anastasios Konstantin, Maria was raised in a close-knit home rooted in tradition, faith, and love. In keeping with Greek tradition, Maria met her future husband, Haralambos ("Lampos"), through an arranged introduction. What began as custom quickly blossomed into a true love story. They were married on August 26, 1956, at St. George Cathedral in Giannitsa, Greece. From that day forward, they were inseparable-building a life grounded in faith, family, and community. At just 23, Maria began her journey as a wife, and soon after, as a mother. She poured her heart into raising her two sons, Chrysostomos (Chrys) and Anastasios (Tasos), while also helping operate the family dry cleaning and seamstress business in Piedmont. She often teased that she had hoped for daughters as well-and eventually got her wish when Chrys married his sweetheart, Diane Aphrodite, and Tasos' Diana. Maria was more than a devoted mother and business owner-she was a gifted seamstress, whose reverence and craftsmanship earned her the honor of sewing priestly vestments for the Archdiocese. Each piece she created reflected her deep faith and careful attention to Orthodox tradition. Maria and Haralambos were deeply involved in the life of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension in Oakland, CA. Their faith was the foundation of their lives and the source of a rich and supportive community. Maria was once honored by the church as "Mother of the Year"-a reflection of her nurturing spirit, not only toward her own family but to the entire parish. She never missed a Bible study and could always be found in the choir on Sundays. After Haralambos passed away on November 14, 1987, Maria carried on with grace, strength, and unwavering devotion. Her greatest joy remained her role as a mother-and later, as a proud and loving Yiayia. She lit up around her grandchildren-Mariana, Alyssa, Harrison (wife Jessie), and Marika (husband Michael)-and was overjoyed by the arrival of her great-granddaughter, Elena. Maria came from a large and loving family-one of six siblings. She was preceded in death by her sister, Sevasti Hatzimichael, and her brothers, Dr. Karl Konstantin, George, Paraskevas, and Nikos. Though she endured deep loss, Maria never lost her radiant smile, her quiet strength, or her generous heart. She leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, humility, and deep faith. Maria will be deeply missed-and lovingly remembered-by all who knew her. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Maria, please visit our Tree Store.