Maria Grafas

Born on the beautiful Greek island of Mykonos and later making a life for herself and her family in America, Maria Grafas lived a remarkable life rooted in faith, family, tradition, and love.

She was born on July 17, 1927, in Mykonos, Greece, to Eugenia Pasa and Florios Chaniotis. One of six children, she grew up alongside her three brothers, Konstantinos, Antonios, and Lefteris, and her two sisters, Anna and Eirene. Of her siblings, she is survived by her brother, Lefteris.

As a young woman, she left her native Greece and journeyed to America following her husband Costas, arriving through Ellis Island and beginning a new chapter of her life in New York City. She later settled in Summit, New Jersey, the community she would call home for more than 70 years. In recent years, she moved to Brick, New Jersey, allowing her to be closer to the family who meant so much to her.

Her Greek heritage remained an important and cherished part of her life. A devout member of the Greek Orthodox faith, she was a longtime member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Westfield, New Jersey, where she was deeply involved in the life of the church. Her faith was not simply something she practiced; it was an enduring part of who she was and a source of strength throughout her life.

Above all else, she was devoted to her family. She was the mother of two sons, Angelo “Van” Grafas and Lawrence Grafas. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Costas, who passed away in 1998, and her son, Van, who passed away in 2014.

She is survived by her son Lawrence and his wife, Brenda, and by the grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought tremendous joy to her life: Stephanie and James Pescitelli and their son, Vincent; Stephen and Senada Grafas and their daughter, Sarah; and Michael and Milena Grafas and their sons, Michael and Luke. She is also survived by Van’s children, Evan and Gabriella Grafas.

From Mykonos to New York City, from more than seven decades in Summit to her final years surrounded by family in Brick, her life was one of extraordinary longevity and enduring devotion. She carried with her the traditions of her Greek heritage, a steadfast Orthodox faith, and, most importantly, a deep love for her family.

Her nearly century-long life leaves behind a legacy that can be seen in the generations that followed her. She will be remembered as a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and, affectionately, Yia Yia—a woman whose faith, strength, traditions, and love of family will continue to live on in all those who knew and loved her.