“God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers.”- Rudyard Kipling
It is with broken hearts to inform you, our precious mother, Maria (Maroulla) Zachariou (nee Mylona), passed away peacefully, October 24, 2021 in Ottawa.
Maria was born in Pano Kivides, Limassol, Cyprus, January 30, 1938. She toiled the soil with her parents from a very young age. Attended school until grade 2 and left because her family needed assistance with the household chores.
Maria’s entire life was devoted to her husband, children and grandchildren. There isn’t anything she could not achieve for them. She cared for her family and friends with love and compassion.
Maria was a strong believer of our Greek Orthodox faith. Her strength in her faith allowed her to overcome many trials and tribulations. Maria never wavered from her faith, no matter what tragedy fell upon her. Maria soldiered on and believed in God’s plan.
Maria loved traveling, cooking, gardening, sewing, knitting, keeping a clean and organized home and especially spending time with her family and friends.
Inspired by the wheat fields nearby, our mother loved baking, particularly bread. She had many stories as a young girl in Cyprus, harvesting fields of wheat. Turning a seed into flour and then into aromatic bread for her family. She would knead, mold and shape it to perfection. She would turn nothing into something delectable. She would watch the bread rise with excitement and great anticipation. She could not wait for her bread to become golden so she could give her children the warmth of her soul. Our mother’s bread was more delicate as her kiss.
Our mother’s love was eternal, pure, unconditional and in this ever-changing world her love was constant.
Maria is preceded in death by her husband, Charlie (Humbi), first-born child Yiannakis (6 years young, Cyprus) and her fifth born child Johnny (36 years young, Toronto, July 2003). Also preceded by her father Ioannis and her mother Eleni, and her niece Eleni (July 2021). Her in-laws Zacharias and Christina.
Maria is survived by her daughters Andri, Joanna, Christia (Angelo), daughter-in- law Jana. The pride and joy of her life, her grandchildren; Alexander (partner Nicole), Andrew, Zachary, Robert and Lukas. Maria is also survived by her sisters; Ellada (Panicos), Theordora (Modestos) and Kali (George), beloved brother Kyriacos (Panayiota), and James (Maroulla). Survived by many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Survived by her in-laws; Ermioni (late Toelie), Irini (Kyriacos), Maroulla (Tasos), Nicki (Demos), Areti (partner Omar), Androulla (George), Kyriacou (Lazaros) and Georgoulla (Rico).
Maria’s family wishes to extend a sincere “thank you” to the Ottawa General Hospital Campus, 8 West nursing team, Dr. Oliver Lee and Julina. A special gratitude to Hanna Banna, along with special healthcare aids and friends Precy and Adela. Father Alex, Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church (Ottawa) for his many prayers and services. An enormous thank you to SIL Debbie, Chris, Barb and Arta for always being there to lend a hand or just to listen. Thank you Angelo for your support.
Funeral Service will be held at The Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church 1315 Prince of Wales Drive, Ottawa, on Wednesday October 27, 2021 at 11:00 am.
No visitation will be provided. Graveside service will be held at Elgin Mills Cemetery 1591 Elgin Mills Rd E, Richmond Hill, ON L4S 1M9 on Thursday October 28, 2021 at 1:00 pm
Maria’s Church Service and Graveside service will be live streamed , by using the links at the bottom of this page.
In lieu of flowers the family is requesting your consideration to donate in honour of Maria’s memory to The Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church 1315 Prince of Wales Drive, Ottawa, (613) 225-8016 Or to your local Food Bank.
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Death notice for the town of: Ottawa, Province: Ontario