Born in Clearwater, Florida, on June 21, 1974, to James and Bonnie Gonatos, Mary Anne lived a life full of love, warmth, and dedication to her family and community. She married the love of her life, Justin Poppa, on July 31, 1999, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Clearwater. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised two cherished sons, Justin Jr. and Parker, who were the center of her world.
Mary Anne graduated from Dunedin High School, attended St. Petersburg College, and completed her nursing studies at the Nursing Academy in Tampa. After working in the medical field, she joined her husband in managing their family business, Teledent, a dental lab in Clearwater.
Mary Anne was known for her radiant beauty, generous heart, and infectious spirit. She had a gift for making people feel seen, loved, and supported. Her presence lit up every room, and her absence will be deeply felt by all who knew her.
Mary is lovingly survived by her devoted husband, Justin; her sons, Justin Poppa Jr. and Parker Poppa; her mother, Bonnie (Jose) Valdes; brothers, Nick Gonatos, Jay (Jenny) Gonatos; nieces and nephews, Brooke, Nicole, Gabriella, Gavin, Everett, and Brody; her in-laws, Cornel, Cheryl, Chris, and Kristi; her extended family of aunts and cousins; and Zeke, the beloved family dog she rescued.
She was preceded in death by her father, James Gonatos.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 11:00 a.m., at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 409 S. Old Coachman Road Clearwater, Florida 33765. The burial will take place immediately after at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park, 2860 Sunset Point Road Clearwater, Florida 33759.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary Anne's memory to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church or to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.
She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, strength, and love. Mary Anne will be missed beyond words and remembered forever.
