On Saturday, May 10, 2014, Mary (Gentithes) Paidas, 90, died surrounded by family at the Western Reserve Masonic Community in Medina.
Mary’s family, rooted in the small mountain village of Egrigoros on the island of Chios, Greece, was both the source and beneficiary of Mary’s selfless devotion to her faith, her loved ones, her friends and about any animal that was lucky enough to wander into her life.
Mary, like her grandfather, a priest in the village, was blessed with a beautiful singing voice. She considered pursuing a career in music, but the family’s need for weathering the depression caused Mary and her sisters to choose to stay in Warren after graduating high school and keep the family laundry business afloat. She shortly thereafter met Peter, whom she married in a triple wedding (officiated by then archbishop Athenagora of the Greek Orthodox Church of North America, who later became that faith’s world-wide Patriarch) along with her brother and a sister. Pete and Mary were married for 58 years, before he preceded her in death in March of 2004.
Parents, Sevasmia (Michalakis) and Harry Gentithes; brother, George Gentithes; and nephew, George Bourdamis also preceded her in death.
Surviving are her sisters, Evelyn Zumas of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and Irene Bourdamis of Edina, Minnesota, their families and the families of her late brother, George; son, George of Medina, son, Harry and daughter-in-law Kathe of Alliance; granddaughters, Stephanie, Shannon, Emily and their mother, Patricia; son-in-law, Matthew; and great granddaughter and source of enormous joy, Julia (Emily); grandsons Peter, Steven and Matthew; along with her church, St.Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Warren, these loved ones and their families and the family’s many pets were pillars of Mary’s joy throughout her life.
Mary was born July 13, 1923 in Trumbull Memorial Hospital in Warren and lived her entire life in the community that she loved. A graduate of Warren Harding High School, she supported numerous community causes and was well known for rewarding good deeds with boxes of koulourakia. Her love of scrapbooking will allow the history of her family and beloved Greek community to live on.
Since September of 2011, Mary lived in the Western Reserve Masonic Community in Medina. The staff became a second family for her, enveloping her with the love that made those years an added blessing for her and for those who experienced her smile and wit every day. Mary’s family is deeply indebted to those caregivers who so enriched her life.
Mary could never be pinned down to a “favorite” anything. “I don’t have any favorites,” was one of her most memorable and frequent quotes. And she didn’t. She had a remarkable knack for seeing the good in everyone and everything and modeled forgiveness and compassion throughout her life.
She did not merely love Christianity; she lived it. Her presence is sorely missed. Her impact still shines like a beacon for those she touched.
Calling hours at the funeral home are from 6 to 8 P.M., Thursday, May 15, 2014 with a 6 P.M. Trisagion Service and Friday, May, 16, 2014 from 10 to 10:30 A.M. Funeral Services will be held at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 429 High St., Warren, Friday, May 16, 2014 at 11 A.M., with Father Constantine Valantasis officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Warren or Western Reserve Masonic Community in Medina.
Family and friends may visit www.peterrossiandsonfh.com to view this obituary, sign the guest book, and send condolences to the Paidas family.
Arrangements are by Peter Rossi Memorial Chapel, 1884 North Road, NE, Warren, Ohio.
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