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Maria Nestopoulos Obituary
February 22, 1925 - February 05, 2020
Maria Nestopoulos, 94, of Ithaca, NY, passed peacefully on Wednesday, February 05, 2020 at the Oak Hill Manor Nursing Home with her beloved family at her side.
She was born in Vassara, Laconia, Greece on February 22, 1925 daughter of the late Nickolas and Diamando Gavrilis. As a first generation immigrant, she courageously left her home in 1958 for Montreal, Canada and helped to bring her two brothers and two sisters to join her. After several years of hard work she came to Ithaca in 1962 with the love of her life, Demos Nestopoulos.
Maria and Demos were married in 1962 and had their only son (her pride and joy), Ike, in 1963. They operated the Cosmopolitan Restaurant from 1968 until 1982 and then in 1983 they opened the Greek House Restaurant which operated with their son, Ike until 2004.
Maria was very active in her Greek community especially her beloved church, St, Catherine Greek Orthodox Church. She was a member of their choir, was a longtime devoted member of the Women's Philoptochos Society and was instrumental in the famous yearly Greek Bake Sale.
Maria was always smiling. She was a proud wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and Godmother to many. One of her biggest joys was brought about when her nephews, Tom and Nick Stavropoulos along with their wives Bia and Tasia moved to Ithaca and purchased the State Diner which they continue to own and operate.
Maria is survived by her son, Costas "Ike" Nestopoulos and his wife, Margy and her ultimate gifts, her grandchildren, Jimmy, Matthew and Demi who she adored and lovingly doted on. She is also survived by her brother, John Gavrilis and many nieces, nephews and dear friends. In addition to her husband, Demos, who died June 27, 1999 she was also preceded in death by her brothers, George and Anargiros and her sisters, Kiki and Georgia.
The family will be forever grateful for the kind and wonderful staff at Oak Hill Manor that helped make Maria's final days on earth so comfortable.
Funeral services will be held Monday, February 10, 2020 at 11:30 am at St. Catherine Greek Orthodox Church. Visitation will be held at the church prior to the service beginning at 10 am. In lieu of flowers donations in Maria's memory may be made to St. Catherine Greek Orthodox Church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Maria Nestopoulos
Sponsored by The Ithaca Journal.
Rick Neiderman
February 18, 2020
Ike and family, sorry to here about your mothers passing. my she R.I.P. wizzard
Ed Onan
February 12, 2020
I just saw the passing of Maria, My sincerest condolences to Ike and family, You're in my thoughts and prayers, Maria was a very special and sweet lady, like a mom to me, I worked for Demos and Maria from early 1978 to 1980 at the Cosmopolitan, I spent a lot of my young life with them at the Cosmopolitan, and worked many many hours in the kitchen with Maria, She taught me how to cook, she would tell me how to say things in the Greek language, I remember when I grasped things she was teaching, she would hug me and tell me I was a good boy, Maria was just such a sweet lady, At the time I started working for them I was only 15, Demos and Maria took me under their wing and treated me like I was family, I did not view them as my employers, I viewed them as my family, I truly loved these people, I have used what Maria and Demos taught me and have carried it all thru my life, I will be forever thankful to both Maria and Demos for how they influenced my young life. two of the most beautiful, wonderful people I ever knew. It has been almost 40 years since I had seen them last but remembered them on a daily basis with very fond and happy memories. RIP my dear sweet friends.
Paul Pagliaro
February 10, 2020
I just got word of Marie's passing, wish I could have been to her service to show my support for her wonderful family. She was a great hard working lovely person. She and Demos reminded me of my late parents who also came from the "old country" to to find the American dream. I still have the hand written recipes she shared with me. At last she is with Demos again, rest in peace polyagapimeni mou dear lady. ..Paul Pagliaro, Ithaca NY
February 10, 2020
My condolences Ike, Margie & Kids,
I will truly miss Thea Magareegoula (as I affectionately called her). I will miss her always having something kind to say, her laugh and her singing - she was a special lady who is dearly loved!
I know Mom is heart broken and will greatly miss her friend whom she loved.
Ioanna V
Olympia Andrews McFall
February 9, 2020
My sincere condolences to Maria's family. I have many pleasant memories from when Bob and I had lunches or dinners at the Greek House and I first met your family. She was truly a great lady.
Amanda Frye
February 9, 2020
Wonderful lady always kind to others and always said thank you to those that cared for her. She always loved it when Ikie would come and have morning coffee with her. You will be missed Maria
February 8, 2020
Dear Ike, Margy, and family -- My heartfelt condolences to you and your family! Visiting the Greek House in Collegetown was always an enjoyable experience for me (mid-late 80s). I have fond memories of your mother, father, and you; I came in regularly for my fix of an eggplant parm sub (w lettuce) and fries. Your mother -- all of you -- went out of your way to say hello and chat a bit. A bright spot in my day. My prayers and best wishes to you and your family. Sincerely, Karen
Joni Spielholz
February 8, 2020
To Ike and family,
My sincere condolences to you on the loss of beloved Maria. She should live forever in your happiest memories .
Maria Sporri
February 8, 2020
Ike and Margy I'm sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you. Your mother will be greatly missed.
Shawn Manning
February 8, 2020
Ike and family please accept our sincerest condolences in the loss of your mother.
-Shawn Manning and the Fontana's Shoes Staff
Andrea Maklari
February 8, 2020
My condolences to the family. She will be missed. Thank you for trusting me with her well being, it was a honor to care for her.
Scott Gingras
February 8, 2020
Ike. So sorry to hear of the loss of your mother.
Hatice Brenton
February 7, 2020
I will always remember Maria telling me
Hi Honey she was a very sweet lady.
My condolence to all Nestopoulos family.
Brad & Rhonda Hull
February 7, 2020
Brad and I would like to send our deepest sympathies. May she Rest In Peace.
Michael & Shantel Yaw
February 7, 2020
You were such a wonderful woman. Always so full of life. You will be sadly missed. Must be our Lord needed another Angel.
EVAN LAMBROU
February 6, 2020
We are very saddened by the loss of Marigoula, one of the nicest ladies we ever had the privilege to know, and a backbone of her family and community. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ike, Margie, Jimmy, Matthew and Demi. Much love to the Nestopoulos family - Evan & Iris Lambrou
Jim Atsedes
February 6, 2020
Maria was a Good woman who always had a friendly smile for others. She was well taken care of by her loving family who will miss her. My sympathies to all who were close to Maria.
Sandra and Tom Scaglione
February 6, 2020
Maria was a wonderful, beautiful, caring woman who will be missed by all of us. May God grant her peace and give her family strength during this difficult time.
KIP TOWNSEND
February 6, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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