Maria N. Hnarakis

Maria N. Hnarakis 1923-2015 Maria grew up in a farming village called Thrapsano on the island of Crete, Greece. It's famous for olives, olive oil and pottery. She was exposed to several tragedies while growing in the village. The first one was the death of her 6 year old brother called Gregory who succumbed to the flu. Her mother developed breast cancer. She cared for her until she died when Maria was 18. She kept the home in order keep the household running until she departed for America when she was 24. She went through the hardships of two invading armies. The Italians and the Germans in 1941. German headquarters for all of Greece was set up in a schoolhouse behind her parents home only yards away. Once German soldiers searched the house unsuccessfully looking for British agents who were hiding in the attic. In 1947 her uncle Paul who was a successful restaurant owner, paid for Maria's trip to the United States. While visiting her uncle she met her future husband George Hnarakis. They were married one month later. One year later they had their first son Emanuel. She was a homemaker all her life.Other children that the marriage produced are named Paul, Christine, Katina, Gregory, Gus and Helen. The span in years between the oldest and the youngest is 19 years.> Maria also had 5 Grandchildren. Breanne, daughter of Helen. Mandy and John children of Gregory & Tammy. Demetrius & Heather children of Emanuel & Alice. Great Grandchildren include Faith child of Mandy. Madison child of Heather & Shannon. Xavier child of Demetrius & Latoya Maria had a very engaging personality who liked to joke even with strangers. Fellow villagers who grew up with her were amazed with detailed knowledge she retained from her childhood and young adulthood. She told many stories that brought tears and laughter to those that heard them. Maria enriched the lives of all who knew her. We will miss her dearly Funeral arrangements by Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home, 11800 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD Viewing: 6-8 PM on 23rd January 301-622-1254 and. Memorial service at St Andrews Ukranian Church on Saturday 24 January at 11AM.