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Maria Nicolas
Maria Raouna Nicolas of Southampton, Flushing, Queens and Lefkara, Cyprus, died from complications from a stroke on Sunday, January 29. She was 89.
Ms. Nicolas was educated in lace-making in the Lefkaritika style and in dress-making as a child in her home town of Lefkara, located in Southern Cyprus. She married the late George Nicolas on November 11, 1951, and they were married for 50 years.
An intelligent and motivated woman, she came with her husband to the U.S. on the U.S.S. Constitution in 1953, to begin working toward the American dream for their future family. Her husband found work immediately, and Ms. Nicolas, a talented seamstress, worked for Wallachs Clothiers when her daughters became teenagers.
An avid gardener, her gardens flourished with many varieties of roses, herbs, grape vines, annuals and fig trees. She studied English and proudly became an American citizen, loving passionately both homelands. She was generous and unselfish to a fault and appreciated her good fortune and possessions. She did not take them for granted.
She and her husband visited the Holy Land frequently as pilgrims, benefactors and friends of clergy. She spoke of Jerusalem, its sights, its streets and people lovingly. She and her children were rebaptized in the Jordan River in 1958.
She is survived by her daughters, Chrissi Nicolas of Manhattan, and Stavroula Nicolas Raia and her husband Peter J. Raia, M.D. of Southampton; grandchildren, Jane Raia, Joseph P. Raia, M.D., Christopher Raia; and great-grandchildren, Steven, Thomas, Gina and John.
Visitation took place at the Brockett Funeral Home in Southampton on Tuesday, January 31. A funeral was held at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Hamptons on Wednesday, February 1.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Greek Orthodox Church of the Hamptons Building Fund, 111 Saint Andrew’s Road Southampton, NY 11968; the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, 302 West 91st Street, New York, NY 10024; St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 196-10 Northern Boulevard, Flushing, NY 11358, or to the charity of your choice.
on Jan 30, 2012