Maria Jaffas, age 93, of Grand Rapids MI passed away early Friday morning on Oct 11, 2024. She was preceded in death by her husband, Andrew Jaffas; and older brother, John Casteris (Effie) from Boston.
She is survived by her younger brother, James Casteris. Maria’s Children are: Alexis Jaffas Gray (Mark), Nicholas Jaffas (Jennifer), Chris Jaffas (Torrie), James Jaffas, Toni Jaffas (Bob Goeldell). And many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Maria, was born in Boston, Massachusetts in April 1931. Her parents were from Greece, her mother and father were from a town near Smyrna, now Izmir Turkey. They had to flee the area because of war and unrest taking place in that area, which was then under the Ottoman Empire and today is Turkey. Her parents came to America in hopes of a safer place to live. Her father found work as a waiter. Her mother suffered from ill health while Maria was growing up, likely from the trauma she saw in her homeland. Later, when Maria was about 23, she was introduced to Andy Jaffas from Grand Rapids, MI by George and Hopie Cares. Hopie was Maria’s friend and neighbor in Boston growing up and George was Andy’s friend in Grand Rapids. Subsequently Maria moved to Grand Rapids. They were married for 48 years up until Andy’s passing in 2001. Maria worked as a seamstress in Boston beginning at 16 years of age. She enjoyed everything sewing. In GR MI her main occupation was being a mother to five children, but she also found time for a drape making business and for work at some different quilt shops where she taught quilting. She was very active in her Church, the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church of Grand Rapids, and was a member of the Greek Ladies Philoptochos Society, several times being its president. Because word got around that she was a capable sewer, many came to her for help in fixing and repairing garments or making new ones. She often sewed or repaired garments for the priest. She was always happy to help anyone.
At her different places of work, she met fellow quilters, and they began to meet at Maria’s home for quilting and coffee. This very dear group of friends began to meet about 30 years ago and continued to meet right up until Maria’s passing. Maria loved people and she loved being a hostess, and if there was a new person or a stranger that she met, she was sure to invite them to her home. She was always of a cheerful countenance even while enduring through Alzheimer’s. She had a very happy and pleasant disposition and was not a complainer. What made her happy was people. When anyone would walk through her door, her face would light up and she would announce the entrants’ name with much fanfare and excitement in her voice to make the person feel special and welcome, because they were. As Alzheimer’s progressed, she may have forgotten names, but she never lost her love of people. She was a take charge type of person and proved to be a genuinely good mother, a kind and benevolent person.
Services will be held 11:00 am Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 330 Lakeside Dr NE. Grand Rapids MI 49503 with visitation one-hour prior. Interment at Restlawn Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to the Greek Ladies Philoptochos Society of Grand Rapids. At: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 330 Lakeside Dr NE. Grand Rapids MI 49503.
3 Responses
My sympathy to you and your family Lexie and Mark, so sad to lose a loved parent! I wish I could attend- and will try if possible-
Much love and prayers to you both,
Sue Smith
I am very sorry to hear of Maria Jaffas’ passing. I will always remember her pleasant smile and delightful greetings. Maria and my mother had a strong friendship through their work in Philoptochos. My sympathies to her family. May her memory be eternal.
I am so sorry for your loss Lexie Gray. Your mom always had a big smile on her face when I saw her. She will continue to smile to you and your family while she is in heaven. May her memories be eternal 🙏