Maria Corakis

Maria (Demetrakopoulos) Corakis passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on July 19, 2026, at the age of 87.

Maria was born on June 5, 1939, in Avoros, Greece. Shortly after her birth, her parents, Haralambos and Anna Demetrakopoulos, moved to the neighboring village of Loutsovo, where Maria grew up as the oldest of four children.

Maria's early years were marked by great hardship. Following the end of World War II, Greece was plunged into civil war. When Maria was just seven years old, her father was killed because of his political beliefs, leaving her mother to raise four children alone. Anna supported her family by gathering firewood and selling it in a neighboring town. At the age of 14, Maria moved to Athens to apprentice as a seamstress, demonstrating the resilience and determination that would define her life. These early years greatly impacted Maria, she never wanted anyone to go without so she was always willing to help others by providing food or whatever they needed.

In 1955, Theodore "Ted" Corakis immigrated to Canada. Remembering the beautiful dark-haired young woman from Loutsovo, he began writing letters to Maria’s family in 1959, asking for her hand in marriage. In May 1961, Maria arrived in Canada, and on June 10, 1961, she and Ted were married, beginning a devoted partnership that would last a lifetime.

While living in Toronto, Maria and Ted welcomed their two children, Tasia and Themi. In 1971, the family immigrated to Kalamazoo, Michigan, so Maria could be closer to her brother, Yorgo. Two years later, they purchased the Colonial Inn Restaurant, which they later renamed Ted and Marie's Colonial Inn. In the early years, Ted cooked while Maria waited tables, and together they built a successful family business through hard work, perseverance, and warm hospitality. They quickly became beloved members of the Oshtemo community, always willing to lend a helping hand to neighbors and friends.

Maria cherished her family. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, proud Yiayia(grandmother), and delighted great-grandmother. She treasured long phone conversations with her brother and her many relatives in Greece, keeping close ties to the homeland she never forgot. She was a lifelong member of the Greek Orthodox Church, leaning on her faith to guide her through life’s challenges. An avid gardener, Maria found great joy in tending her beautiful flower beds, which reflected the care and love she gave to everything in her life.

Known for her spirited personality and unwavering strength, Maria often referred to herself as the "little lady from the village." Her resilience, generosity, sense of humor, and deep love for family will be remembered by all who knew her.

Maria is survived by her daughter, Tasia (Steve) Stamos; her son, Themi (Shelly) Corakis; her grandchildren, Julie (John) Henderson, Peter (Sam) Stamos, and Ted Corakis; her cherished great-granddaughter, Anastasia Stamos; her siblings, Themi and Katina; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Theodore "Ted" Corakis; her parents, Haralambos and Anna Demetrakopoulos; her brother, Yorgo; her dear friend Theoni; and other loved ones who welcomed her home.

May her memory be eternal.