Maria was born on February 15th, 1932, in Bodesti, Arad, Romania, where she lived the first 65 years of her life as a highly respected teacher and school director for 34 years at “Gradinita cu Program Prelungit Inteprinderea Minera Barza.” Maria moved to the United Statesin 1997, where she lived for nearly 30 years to help raise her grandson Khalil with her ever-loving daughter, Rodica (Leonida) Khoury, and beloved son-in-law, Sami Khoury. She contributed to the foundation of a loving household and supported our family with her strong character, intelligence, grace, and love. Maria was a devoted child of God, a dedicated mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, mother-in-law, and member of her Romanian church community, New Life Romanian Church. She was known for her undeniably radiant spirit, authentic Romanian cooking, and countless hand-knitted items of clothing that she graciously donated to church members and charities.
She is survived by her two children, Rodica (Leonida) Khoury and Stefan Szafian; her four grandchildren, Jennifer, Rachel, Khalil, and Brian; and her five great-grandchildren, Amya, Leah, Nathan, Amlia, and Romelio. Maria will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved her, but we take great comfort in knowing that she is now resting forever in Heaven.
Private services will be held on the morning of Monday, September 14, 2026, at Phoenix Memorial Park & Mortuary, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Flowers and memorial gifts are welcome but not necessary.
