Maria Patricia Props

Maria was born on November 16, 1944, to Greek immigrant parents, Gus and Elaine Angelis. The Angelis family lived in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where the family was deeply rooted in the Greek Orthodox community. Sadly, Maria lost her father when she was just nine years old.

Maria graduated from Washington High School in 1962, where she was an active and involved student. She attended the University of Nebraska, majoring in elementary education and joined the Delta Gamma Sorority. During her sophomore year, while visiting the University of South Dakota, Maria attended a fraternity party and ran into Andrew Props, a childhood acquaintance, whose families were both entrenched in the Greek community. Maria quickly caught his eye.

Andy soon graduated college and moved out West to Southern California. The next summer Maria visited family near Los Angeles and saw Andy; a long-distance courtship began. Andy and Maria married the next summer, on June 27, 1965. Andy brought Maria out West to Southern California beginning their wonderful 54-year marriage.

Maria worked in Beverly Hills as a secretary from 1965 until they welcomed Michael Andrew in 1969 and Nicole Elaine in 1972. When the kids were young, she began a Mary Kay business out of the home, then Pola Cosmetics. Soon after, she and a dear friend started a jewelry business, which led to “Jewelry by Maria Props,” which she successfully continued for the next 25 years.

In 1970, Maria’s Mom moved back to the village of Niata, Laconia Greece. In 1978, Maria began taking the kids to the village for summer long visits, to immerse her family into their heritage and culture.

Maria enjoyed being a longtime member of St. Paul’s and the Ladies Philoptochos, where she served as President and as a Board Member for many years. St. Paul’s and her Greek heritage were a central part of her life. Sharing her traditions and faith with her children and grandchildren was of utmost importance to her.

Maria expressed her love and affection in many ways, but most noticeably through a wonderful home cooked Greek meal. She took great pride in making the traditional Greek recipes she grew up with.

Maria was an avid tennis player and loved aerobics until a rare spinal cord condition impacted her mobility. She persevered through two rigorous spinal cord procedures; and as with all things in her life, was determined not to let a physical ailment stop her. Maria remained physically active and enjoyed swimming, gym classes and traveling with Andy, whom she lost in August 2019.

She is survived by her son Michael and wife Heather, daughter Nicole and husband Tommy, her five adored granddaughters: Brianna, Drew, Zoe, Luciana and Stella and her brother Tom Angelis and his wife Lynda. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

May her memory be eternal.

A visitation for Maria will be held Thursday, May 25, 2023 at 6:00 PM at St. Paul's Orthodox Church, 4949 Alton Pkwy, Irvine, CA 92604. A funeral service will occur Friday, May 26, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at St. Paul's Orthodox Church.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.fairhavenmemorialservices.com for the Props family.