Maria (Merakis) Ilios' Obituary
After a short battle with cancer, it is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Maria Ilios (Merakis), 63, of Syracuse on November 13, 2025.
A loving and dedicated mother, Maria is survived by her daughter and best friend Angeliki (Ilios); her older brother Chris (Pauline) Merakis; two nieces Stephanie (Zach) Papaleoni; Melissa (Josh) Garland. In addition, she is survived by a very large extended family made up of many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews, all of whom she loved dearly. She is predeceased by both parents, Apostolos (Merakis) and Sofia (Pappas).
Born January 24, 1962 in the town Florina, Greece; Maria and her family immigrated to the United States in 1966 when she was just four years old. She would later go on to attend Le Moyne College, becoming one of the first in her family to graduate and earning her Bachelor's Degree in Communications.
Although she held a coveted position for many years with the New York State Department of Labor; it is through motherhood that she found her true calling in life. Balancing full-time employment as a single parent, Maria's greatest source of fulfillment came from being a mom. She never once missed a diving meet, cello concert, or softball game. Motherhood was always her number one priority. She will be deeply missed.
Maria's passions in life were rooted both in culture and in faith. She loved to experience and immerse herself in the many different festivals of Syracuse; broadening her world views and learning all that was offered. She had a very inquisitive nature about her and was deeply spiritual, never once losing her faith.
Maria found great enjoyment by proudly participating in her own Greek culture. She could always be found dancing underneath the tent at the Greek Festival and was a very talented dancer. She took immense pride in watching her daughter, Angeliki, year after year, dancing and following in her footsteps.
Maria loved both cooking and baking and found solace in the kitchen. She shared the same natural culinary instincts as her own mother, Sofia, and continued to pass down those same traditions and recipes that were once taught to her.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at the Francis House of Syracuse, for their exceptional care and compassion during Maria's final days.
In lieu of flowers, Maria's family kindly asks for donations to the Francis House.
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