Marina Simitses Paras

Marina Simitses Paras, 86, passed away on October 22, 2024. Born July 7, 1938 in Athens, Greece, Marina came to the United States in 1958, following her brother George Simitses who emigrated in 1951. As a 20 year old young woman, Marina boarded an ocean liner for New York to attend school where she obtained a teaching degree. Marina traveled often to Atlanta, Georgia to visit her brother George and his family and to Tampa, Florida to visit cousins and other family members. It was in Tampa where Marina met Gus Paras and they married on January 2, 1964 at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church. As newlyweds, Marina and Gus lived with his mother at 111 N. MacDill Avenue until 1969 when they bought their current home. Gus and Marina have been married for 60 years. They welcomed their son Nicholas in February 1965 and their daughter Elena in January 1972. Both Nicholas and Elena were married at the same church as their parents. Marina was a devoted and extraordinary mother and wife, showering her family with love and unwavering support. She worked alongside Gus in his architectural practice and was an integral partner in all of his volunteer endeavors.

Marina was very active in the Tampa community, including as a volunteer for the Child Abuse Council and a volunteer debate judge for the Academy of the Holy Names. She was also active in the Greek community serving as President of the Daughters of Penelope Alcmaeon #167 and as District Governor of Citrus District #2. She believed in the sisterhood and mission of the Daughters and was a member for 62 years. She was also a founding member of the local chapter of The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, a volunteer for the St. John’s Greek Orthodox Greek Festival for many years helping with cooking and serving as a cashier, and a member of the Young at Heart seniors group. Marina was extraordinarily artistic, always sewing or needlepointing. She sewed all of Elena’s formal dresses in high school. At one time, she worked with a local artist who created large silk banners for commercial spaces. Marina loved to entertain friends and family, particularly for holidays and special occasions. The highlight of the year was hosting, together with Gus, large celebrations for Orthodox Easter at their home. Marina was a life-long sports enthusiast particularly when it came to Florida Gator football and she enjoyed watching the NCAA’s Sweet 16 tournament. When in high school, she was a manager of her school’s basketball team. Marina obtained a license from the University of Florida to make official Gator flags celebrating graduations and new births and sold them in local retail shops. She loved to dance, particularly Greek dancing, and to sing. She had an adventurous spirit, willing to travel to new places and try new things. Marina was known for her sharp intellect, strength of spirit, and boundless love for her family and friends. Many considered her a second mother because of the love she always gave. With her never-ending love and support, Marina was the driving force behind her family and she will be missed beyond words and all measure. Her enduring love for her family and friends will eternally envelop and support them.

She is preceded in death by John and Vassiliki Simitses, her father and mother, Nick and Helen Paras, her father-in-law and mother-in-law; George Simitses, her brother; Barbara Bon, her sister; and Nicholas Paras, her son. Marina is survived by her husband, Gus Nick Paras; her daughter, Elena Paras Ketchum; her son-in-law, Peter Ketchum; and her daughter-in-law, Marianne Paras. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 5th from 6pm to 8pm with Trisagion Service at 7:30 pm at Blount Curry Funeral Home MacDill, 605 S. MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 6th at 10:30 am at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, 2418 W. Swann Ave, Tampa, FL.