My dear Aunt Mary passed away today at the age of 102. Born on June 19, 1922, in Lowell, Massachusetts to Rev. Vasilios and Polixene Michalopoulos, she moved to Brooklyn, New York in the late 1920s, as her father became founding pastor of the Three Hierarchs Greek Orthodox Church. My Aunt Mary was a beloved member of the Greek Orthodox community and served with the Ladies Philoptochos Society of the church for over 80 years.
During World War II, she worked for the Department of the Army as a clerk typist and then as a supervisor of an administrative department in support of military logistics.
In October 1945, she met the man whom she would marry in 1950: Sgt. Anthony Jannace, returning home from the European theater of World War II.
My Aunt Mary and Uncle Tony had three children, my dearest cousins: Paul, William, and Susan. Paul married Maryann Volpe Jannace in 1979, and they have three children—my Aunt Mary’s grandchildren: Paul Jr., Michael, and Robert. Michael married Vanessa in 2015. They have two children: Michael Christopher Jr. and Savanna Grace. Robert married Kelli in 2022, and they have one child: Penelope Mary. All three children are among my Aunt Mary’s great grandkids.
Aunt Mary was also a second mother to me. When I attended P.S. 215 and David A. Boody J.H.S., she’d drive us to school in the morning and pick us up when the day was done. I can’t count how many times she picked me up in the middle of a school day when I wasn’t feeling well. It helped that we lived in the same neighborhood, at one time even on the same block.
She made the best Greek cookies, especially Koulourakia and Kourabiedes.
In 1995, Aunt Mary lost a best friend when my mother died. And as my sister’s godmother, she was devastated when my sister died in November 2022. Her last years were very difficult, but she kept on going.
Her son William once remarked that the opening lines to “Let It Be”, with its reference to “Mother Mary,” always reminded him of his mom. She was indeed a mother to so many. That opening reference appears in a tribute video, which debuts today on YouTube (below).
Her love endures. And our memories are eternal. Rest in peace, dear Aunt Mary. I will always love you.
The wake will take place from 3 pm – 7 pm on Tuesday, October 15 at Dahill Funeral Home, 2525 65th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11204.
The funeral will take place at 9:45 am on Wednesday, October 16 at the Three Hierarchs Church, 1724 Avenue P, Brooklyn, NY 11229.
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