Marie Teresa Agopian

Marie Teresa Slavin Durant Agopian was born in Liverpool, England in 1933. Her father was Thomas Slavin and mother was Irene Ware from Ireland. Marie’s early upbring was defined by the start of World War II when she was evacuated first to Wales and then back to Liverpool to attend school. Marie completed school at the age of 15 and went on to work for a hospital as the assistant to the head matron and then following that to Torquay to work in the hospitality industry.

Realizing at the tender age of 21 that she wanted to leave still war-torn England, she saved and bought a one-way first-class ticket and sailed to Canada and got as far as Windsor, Ontario. While there she met Anthony (Tony) Durant and were married. Marie and Tony had a love of dancing that they shared, and Marie was finally able to study dance and quickly Flamenco became her specialty and passion.

Marie was also a successful businesswoman opening and owning three retail stores at the School Center building and on the Wayne State University campus. Her love for Flamenco continued and she was also performing all over Southeastern Michigan.

In 1981, Marie married Jean Agopian and together they performed and then had a business using their combined talents of sewing, and needlework in bringing antique lace and fabrics from France and turned them into collectible boxes and hats.

Marie is preceded by her beloved husband Jean Agopian and survived by her daughter Bernadette Durant Anthony (m. Lt. Gov. Stavros Anthony). David Agopian and Kris Agopian and family and Karen and Jamie Rife Two granddaughters Irene Anthony Smith (m. Cameron Smith) and Elizabeth Anthony. Three great grandsons -Hayden, Luke and Logan Smith.

May Her Memory Be Eternal.

In Lieu of flowers please make a donation in her name to Las Vegas Ladies Philoptochos Society -St. John the Baptist

A memorial for Marie will be held Tuesday, November 11, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Palm Mortuary - Cheyenne, 7400 West Cheyenne Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89129.