Maria Sclavounos, an angel on earth earned her wings and soared to heaven on February 2, 2023. She joined her beloved mother Danai Sclavounos Vrakas (YiaYia), father Amelianos (Mike) Sclavounos, adored son Michael Williams, sister-in-law Judy Connors and mother-in-law Donna Jones who all passed before her. Eternally, they will rejoice in God’s love and promise of everlasting life! In this world Maria will forever be loved, and honored by her niece Carrie Connors Thibodeaux and family; other surviving family members; her many lifelong friends; Georgene and Scott, YaYa’s: Phyllis, Colleen, Yiota; Cheryl and Roy; Debbie; old and new neighbors; and her furry little loves, Pipa and Scarlet.
Maria’s earthly journey began on October 18, 1948 when she was born in Chicago, Illinois. She grew up to become a young adult in Joliet, Illinois. She graduated from Joliet West High School in 1966 and was thrilled and excited to attend her 50th High School Reunion in 2016. In the 1970’s she and her family moved to Clearwater, Florida. She was and will always be a free spirit! Maria fell in love with the beaches, sun, sand and lifestyle of Florida! She once called herself a “gypsy” and loved meeting new people and making friends on the beaches. She always had kind words to say about her family and friends and loved them deeply!
Maria married in the mid 1980’s. It was then that Maria came to be an aunt to her niece Carrie. She loved being an aunt and because of her easy spirit created many memories with Carrie as a little girl and adult. In 1989 Maria and her husband adopted their son, a beautiful four day old whom they named Michael Christopher Williams. Maria loved motherhood and throughout the years enjoyed his Michael’s days with little league sports, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and neighborhood friends get togethers and parties. Maria was the most loving Mom to Michael; he was her world. She was adored by his many friends.
In the early 1980’s Maria worked for Pinellas County Schools and after attending a Women on the Way Course was inspired to go back to college. Maria graduated from USF with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology. Then, she started her career with the Florida Department of Corrections. She was a probation officer and supervisor for 25 years. After retiring she volunteered for Hospice and worked part-time for the Largo Library.
Maria treasured travelling and created wonderful memories on adventures with family and friends to Sedona, Las Vegas, Texas, Reno and St. Augustine. She travelled to Greece to visit the land of her Greek heritage! She loved to read biographies, mysteries and political commentary. She enjoyed all kinds of music from classical, traditional Greek music to the Rolling Stones, Janis Joplin, Bob Marley, Amy Whinehouse, Cher, Adele and many more. She was a great cook and made the best lamb and pastiso! She delighted in spoiling her family and friends with the most perfect gifts for birthdays and holidays! Maria believed in her core, that LOVE was all that mattered. She had an unwavering ability to see the best in everyone.
Family and friends can celebrate Maria’s life by remembering loved ones and the little things in life that make each person happy. Consider making a donation in Maria’s honor to a local animal rescue shelter to honor her little loves Pipa and Scarlet.
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