Published in the February 2, 2018 edition

MALDEN — Maria (Maroulla) Antoniou, wife of the late Evagoras Antoniou, the youngest of seven children and the last surviving sibling.

She was a talented seamstress who learned her skills as a young girl in the village of Pyla, Cyprus. She left Cyprus at the age of 14 and travelled to England where she spent 10 years as a nanny for her older brother’s children. They were sent to the country to escape the London bombings during WWII, then returned to Cyprus for a short period of time once again, before returning to London to work as a seamstress in a designer dress factory where she met her future sister-in-law, who soon introduced her to her future husband. Her path again changed direction when they traveled and settled in the United States.

They were married 31 years living in Everett and then settled in their home in Malden, where she was fortunate enough to stay until her passing, made possible by the network of support she received from her devoted family and caretakers.

She was a devoted mother to her daughters, Annette Athanasopoulos and husband John of Beverly, Annamaria Georgopoulos and husband, Steven of Melrose, and son Anthony Antoniou and his wife, Gayle of Stoneham. She was a loving YiaYia to Peter, Antoni, Elaina, Stephanie, Evan, Eliza, Mara and Sophie.

She was blessed to recently welcome two great grand grandchildren, Penelope and Evalina to the family. She will be missed by all who loved her. Visiting hours were held at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 54 S. Common St., Lynn on Friday, Jan. 26, followed by a funeral service. Relatives and friends were respectfully invited to attend. Burial in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hallmark Health, Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice, Inc, 178 Savin Street, Suite 300, Malden, MA 02148. For directions & to sign online condolence visit www.gatelyfh.com