Maria Collaros

Date of Death: January 25, 2021

Maria Collaros, age 75, of Merrillville, passed away on Monday January 25, 2021.

Maria is survived by her son Constantine (Sophia) and daughter-in-law Stacey Collaros; granchildren: Erini, Zachary and Foti; brother: Stelios (Maria) Skavdis in Greece; sister: Hrisa (Apostolis) Tsampis in Greece; numerous nieces, nephews and God-children.

Maria was preceded in death by her husband Fotios “Frank” and son Apostolos “Paul”, both in 2020; parents: Constandino and Anna; and her parents-in-law: Constantine and Lamprini.

Maria was a member of Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral, St. Helen’s Philoptochos Women’s Society, and the Agia Marina Ikarian Society. Maria migrated from Ikaria, Greece when she was 16 in 1961. While raising two young children, she attended night school to obtain her high school diploma from Merrillville High School. From 1975 – 2005 Maria worked at the Gary Career Center.

Maria was a devoted and loving wife, mother and Yia Yia. Family was everything to Maria and wished nothing more but to be surrounded by her family. Maria always had a smile and a good word for anyone she met.

Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, January 28, at Geisen Funeral and Cremation Centre, 7905 Broadway, Merrillville, IN, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with a Trisagion Service at 5:00 PM.

Funeral Services will be on Friday, January 29 at 11:00 AM, directly at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 8000 Madison, Merrillville, with Father Ted Poteres and Father Dimitri Burikas officiating. Interment to follow at Ridgelawn Cemetery in Gary.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, social distancing at 6 feet and face masks will be required, with a maximum of 25 people attending at one time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in Maria’s name to Sts. Constantine and Helen’s Helping Hand Fund or Food Pantry.

Geisen Funeral Home

Toula Karnavas

Helene Tripodis

Kosta & Carol Hardaloupas

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Maria Collaros, age 75, of Merrillville, passed away on Monday January 25, 2021. Maria is survived by her son Constantine (Sophia) and daughter-in-law Stacey Collaros; granchildren: Erini, Zachary and Foti; brother: Stelios (Maria) Skavdis in Greece; sister: Hrisa (Apostolis) Tsampis in Greece; numerous nieces, nephews and God-children. Maria was preceded in death by her husbandContinue Reading

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As early as I can remember, 'Thea Maria' was a sweet and loving soul that always brought love (and her kourambiethes!) into our home. She never missed an opportunity to kiss, hug, and remind me how much I was loved. Being in her kitchen while she told stories or quizzed me about my life made me feel like part of that special Collaros club, and holiday dinners were the ultimate display of her amazing food, drink, love and laughter. She had the brightest smile and the softest hands - both of which I felt lucky to receive - and a quiet sarcasm that always made me laugh out loud. Through joyous times and tragic loss, her love was a constant for our entire family, and she will be missed by so many. I'm so grateful she was part of my life - her memory will certainly be eternal.

We are so sorry for your loss. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Bob and Deb Tracy.

Words can't describe Maria's infectious smile, her sincere warmth and hospitality. Knowing her for so many years has resulted in a multitude of memories. Her homemade paximathia were ever present when visitors would drop by for coffee and conversation. Maria did not hesitate to offer support to my parents and me when faced with personal crises. She was a remarkable woman who faced her own crises with unbelievable strength and stoicism. We will miss her and her beautiful smile. Evagelos and Toula Karnavas

My parents have lived across the street from Ms. Maria and her husband since 2006. They were always wonderful neighbors! We watched out for Ms. Maria after her husband passed. And she watched out for my mother when my dad passed just in Nov 2020. My mom and her knew that each other were doing ok if they would see the curtains open in each other's picture windows. Our family is deeply saddened by this loss and are truly praying for her loved ones. She will be truly missed...

Maria was always such a sweet gentle lady with a kind word for everyone, and a most gracious hostess. Several years ago she invited my wife and myself to dinner at her house at Chrisostomos. When we arrived she looked at us with horror realizing that she had forgotten the invitation. In no time at all she threw together a dinner of eggs, potatoes, and greens, and to this day it has been the best spontaneous meal I've ever had. May God bless her soul.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

In loving memory of the sweetest kindest person that left us too soon. I will always remember her beautiful smile, her tender hugs, and her gentle way. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May her memory be eternal.

Maria was a very sweet and kind lady that always had kind words to say to everyone. May eternal be her memory! She will be greatly missed. Ζωή σε σας

Maria was more than our koumbara, she was family. Since 1961 when we first met her as a young bride arriving to Gary, she possessed a loving warmth about her. Maria had that beautiful and charming smile that first greeted you with sincerity and happiness in seeing you. Her hospitality was above all else and you sensed her welcoming spirit when you were around her. Maria was always the first in our lives during the sad and difficult times standing next to us and lending her support in every way. She never faltered in her devotion to family and friends. We will greatly miss Maria and especially hearing her call us, "koumbarakia."

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.