Mary Samitas

Mary Makris Samitas was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA to Greek immigrant parents. As the fifth of six daughters born during the time of the depression, Mary was taught to be thrifty and strong. She exercised obedience and respect for her parents, who instilled in her the values of kindness and humility which she kept for the rest of her life. Mary was an excellent student and hard worker, and began a lifelong love for reading and learning. She enjoyed History and English Literature, graduated at the top of her high school class, and was offered a full scholarship to college. Yet despite Mary’s own success and potential, she actively chose to dedicate her talents and work towards cultivating the potential of others throughout her life.

Mary married Daniel Samitas after WWII ended in 1947 and was married for 70 years until his passing in 2017. She was the model of patience, selflessness, and devotion to her husband, children, and grandchildren. Her humility and strength gave the individuals in her family the ability to pursue their greatest goals and dreams, leaning on her as the rock of their mind and soul. She was the essence of the wonderworker behind the scenes, working tirelessly to make the job of others less of a burden without ever seeking recognition for all she did.

Mary continually devoted herself towards doing good in her church and community, and served as a Sunday school teacher and as a member of the Philoptohos. Yet, it is Mary’s unseen and unnoticed acts of kindness at all waking moments of her life that define her character and legacy.

Mary was an unwavering image of light to all that came into contact with her, and her family received the boundless love she gave freely and truly. She instilled in her children and grandchildren the importance of family and faith through her own walk in life, and her wisdom remains with those who had the joy of knowing her. May Mary’s memory be eternal and may the peace and joy she cultivated on earth become infinite in her eternal life.