Dr. Marianna Rafal Steriadis

She was born on February 23, 1951, in Hartford, Connecticut to the late Marjorie and Sydney Rafal.

Marianna is survived by her children, Melina (Keith) Tickner, Thomas Steriadis; their father George Steriadis; grandchildren, Elena Tickner, Logan Tickner; siblings, John (Dyanne) Rafal, Jane (Ralph) Wilson; many extended family members and friends.

Marianna attended Yale University, where she was a fencer and part of the Yale Slavic Chorus, before graduating as one of the first women at Yale, with a Bachelor of Arts in French and Russian. She proceeded to attend Université de Lausanne in Switzerland receiving a Degré Supérieur in French. She then earned a Master of Arts in French-Classics at Brown University. Finally, earning her Ph.D. in Biblical and Patristic Greek at Yale University. Marianna was an avid reader and her thirst for learning never stopped. A world traveler, who was a tour guide as a young adult, had a passion for different cultures and languages. She spoke 10 languages and was always in the process of learning new ones. She was an amazing cook and enjoyed having her family over for dinner, as her favorite pastime was to be with her children and grandchildren. Marianna will forever be in the hearts of her family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 12, 2026, from 10am until the funeral service at 11am, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 409 S Old Coachman Road, Clearwater, Florida, 33765.

The final blessing service will follow at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park, 2860 Sunset Point Road, Clearwater, Florida, 33759.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, htclearwater.com or to Pixel Fund Pet Rescue, https://www.thepixelfund.org/donate .