Maria N. Koulianos

Maria N. Koulianos, 96, passed peacefully from natural causes on January 22, 2020. While her body ached from a life well-lived, her mind remained sharp and she never completely lost the spunk that she was loved most for.
She was born on October 12, 1923 in Tarpon Springs, Florida, the second daughter of Nicholas and Catherine, who immigrated from Greece. The family lived in Tarpon Springs, where her father worked as one of the original sponge divers that the town has become famous for. Her mother cared for Maria along with her three siblings (Helen, Irene, and Michael). She frequently reminisced on her fond childhood memories growing up in a strong Greek community and always made a point to pass down those Greek traditions to her loved ones. Even greater than her pride in her Greek heritage was her deep-rooted faith in God and the teachings of the Greek Orthodox church. Her bible was one of her most treasured possessions and she spent many of her last year’s speaking to her grandchildren and great grandchildren about the importance of prayer and a relationship with God.
Maria was blessed with 5 children (Steven, Kathryn, Nicholas, Gary, and Dean). Steven and Kathryn were born in Florida, Nicholas and Gary in Joliet, IL, and Dean was born in Gary, Indiana after the family relocated. While raising her children, Maria attended cosmetology school and found a passion for hairstyling. Her specialty was high-styles and with a combination of her skill and charismatic personality she quickly built a large client base that allowed her to open her own successful beauty shop.
Maria possessed the entrepreneurial spirit that the Greeks are so well known for. After relocating to Pensacola, FL she founded a wholesale seafood market and shared her knowledge with her son. From there, her son built the company into what is now known as Maria’s Seafood, her namesake that is still an integral part of the community over 30 years later. She built a life in Pensacola and her friends became family through her affiliation with the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. All that knew her would agree that you never left her company without a good laugh and a delicious meal.
After retiring, she then had the opportunity to share her time between Pensacola, FL and Kalymnos, Greece. However, the love of her grandchildren brought her back to the states again full time and she devoted the rest of her life to her friends and family. In her final days, she often told family that she was ready to meet Jesus and that she prayed that she would pass peacefully and quickly without suffering. Her loved ones are comforted by the fact that God fulfilled this last request for her although their hearts are heavy due to their loss.
Maria is preceded in death by her father (Nicholas), mother (Catherine), younger brother (Michael), younger sister (Irene), and grandson (George).
She is survived by her oldest sister (Helen), her children, Steven (Michelle), Kathryn (Nick), Nicholas (Natalie), Gary (Velvet), and Dean (Tina). Her grandchildren Michael (Heather), Maria (Milton), Paul, Nicholas, Gail, Billy, Michelle, Stelios (Cristin), Pantelis, and Jordan (Calan). Her great grandchildren John Christopher, Lexi, Aaron, Kathryn, John, Scarlet, Michael, Calli, Alexia as well as many nieces, nephews, and Godchildren.
Funeral services will be held at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church (1720 W. Garden St., Pensacola, FL 32502) on Monday, January 27, 2020 with Trisagion beginning at 9:00 am and the funeral at 10:00 am. The graveside service will be at Bayview Cemetery and the family will share a meal at the church hall directly following in honor of her memory.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church (1720 W. Garden St., Pensacola, FL 32502).
Pall Bearers will be: Michael Tsataros, Nicholas Peterson, Stelios Peterson, Pantelis Peterson, Calan Lewis, Charles Stamitoles, Alex Pengenika, and Gus Argeris.
The family would like to thank Grandview Retirement Center for the love and care they gave to Maria. It was a comfort to them when she referred to Grandview as her “home” and the special few employees as members of her extended family.
May her Memory be Eternal
WATERS & HIBBERT FUNERAL HOME is in charge of arrangements.