Mariyka Georgieva Dimova

Mariyka "Maria" Dimova, 86, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, peacefully passed away on January 8th, 2025, in Marietta, Georgia. She was lovingly called home to be with Jesus, where she reunited with her cherished husband, as well as her parents and sister, in the eternal embrace of peace. Maria was a woman of deep faith, steadfast in her belief, and often shared her love for God with those around her. While her passing leaves an immense void in the hearts of all who knew her, we find comfort in knowing she is now in heaven, reunited with those she loved.
Maria was born on June 16, 1938, in Boyanovo, Bulgaria, to Georgi and Yana Vasilev. She was the eldest of three children, followed by Dimitar "Mitko," and Dimka. At the age of five, Maria lost her hearing due to illness, but this challenge did not define her. She attended boarding school for deaf children in Sofia and graduated from the Bulgarian Institute for the Deaf in 1954, followed by vocational school. A gifted ballerina in her youth, Maria later became a skilled gymnast, earning international recognition and accolades for her athletic abilities, including multiple Olympic gold medals. She was one of the most decorated gold medalists for her country at that time. It was at the Bulgarian Institute for the Deaf that she met Chernio Dimov, a tall and handsome track and field runner, with whom she shared a beautiful courtship. At 23, Maria married Chernio, and together they moved to Stara Zagora in 1961 and had three children-Julieta, Ivan, and Diana.
In addition to raising three children, Maria worked diligently in various industries, first in the textile industry, and later as a computer electronics technician in the airplane technology sector, where she crafted detailed schematics. Chernio worked as a carpenter, humbly dedicating his hands to the craft to build and create. Unfortunately, Maria was preceded in death by her dear husband at age 45. Tragically widowed at a young age, she found strength in her faith and a profound desire to help others. She was always ready to support those in need, offering guidance, comfort, and love to anyone who crossed her path. Maria's bright smile, perseverance, and positive attitude were a source of joy and inspiration to all.
For the last 30 years, Maria lived in the United States, making her home in both California and Georgia, where she was surrounded by the love of her family. Family was the foundation of Maria's life, and she dedicated herself wholeheartedly to ensuring that everyone she held dear felt cherished and supported. She poured her heart and energy into raising her seven grandchildren-Alexander, Maria, Michelle, Richard, Velizar, Ryan, and Justin-and later found immense joy in the blessing of three great-grandchildren-Aislin, Olivia, and Calianna. Every moment spent with her loved ones was a treasure, and her heart overflowed with love whenever they were near. Maria deeply valued the bonds she shared with her family and friends, always nurturing those relationships with great care and appreciation.
Maria's creativity and talent extended beyond her career as she also developed a passion for knitting and crocheting, making beautiful scarves, blankets, sweaters, and "terlitsi" (booties) for family, friends, and even her doctors. She took great delight in preparing delicious, authentic Bulgarian and Greek dishes to share with her family. Maria was an avid traveler, exploring countries around the world, always eager for adventure. Despite her deafness, Maria was able to connect with everyone, communicating with ease and warmth. She was a social butterfly who found joy in every connection she made and made friends wherever she went. Her kindness, zest for life, and unwavering strength touched everyone around her.
Maria is survived by her three children's families-Julieta and Joseph Issa, Ivan and Svetla Dimov, and Diana and Michael Sanabia; her seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; her younger brother's family, Dimitar "Mitko" and Dinka Vasilev; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Chernio, her sister, Dimka, and her parents, Georgi and Yana.
Maria was a gift to all who knew her. While her absence leaves a deep sadness, her legacy of love, service, and devotion will remain in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who knew her. We find peace in the knowledge that she is now in the presence of her Savior.
Family, friends, and loved ones are warmly invited to gather at the Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, 3431 Trickum Rd NE, Marietta, GA 30066, on Monday, January 13th, 2025 at 11am, to celebrate and honor the life of Mariyka Georgieva Dimova. Funeral procession will follow to Georgia Memorial Park, 2000 Cobb Pkwy SE, Marietta, GA 30060 at 2pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in memory of Mariyka Dimova to the American Society of Deaf Children.
John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."
John 16:22 - "So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you."
Luke 23:42-43 - "And he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.' And he said to him, 'Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.'"
Philippians 3:20-21 - "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body."
Psalm 23 - "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
Service is entrusted to Paradise Mortuary and Cremation Services, 463 Atlanta St, Marietta, GA 30060.
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