Maria Skezas

Maria Skezas, age 88, of White Oak, PA, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Friday, January 31, 2025. She was born June 4, 1936, in the village of Neohorion on the island of Chios, Greece. She is the daughter of the late Nicholas and Athena Skarlis Georgaroudis, and the beloved wife of the late William J. Skezas. After marrying William in 1958, Maria came to America speaking only Greek. She attended night classes to learn the English language and gained her American Citizenship. She enjoyed many return trips to her cherished fatherland, visiting family and old friends. She was especially fond of spending time at the seaside family cottage, where she often fished with her parents and swam in the beautiful blue waters of the Aegean Sea.

Maria was a devoted member of the Annunciation of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church in White Oak. Her faith was central to her life, and she regularly attended services and volunteered at the church. As a child, she endured the hardships of Germany’s occupation of Chios, experiencing poverty and hunger. She spoke of a neighbor who once shared a piece of bread with her family, a kindness that left a lasting impression. From that moment on, she vowed always to help those in need. She was a lifelong member of the Greek Orthodox ladies' philanthropic organization, the Agia Markella Philoptochos Society.

A dedicated homemaker, Maria took pride in caring for her family. She loved sewing, cooking, baking, and gardening. She was also known for her beautiful voice and continued singing Greek songs from her childhood well into her later years, bringing joy to those around her.

Maria is survived by her loving children, Jacob W. (Victoria) Skezas of Trumansburg, NY, Nicholas W. Skezas of Chicago, IL, and Athena C. (Michael) Baglio of North Huntingdon, PA; grandchildren Vasilios Skezas, Alexander Skezas, Maria Skezas, William Baglio, Elias Baglio and Aristotle Baglio; sister-in-law Dr. Marion Skezas; nieces, nephews and godchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, Maria is preceded in death by her sister, Argyro (Nicholas) Venetis, and brothers, Sotirios Georgaroudis and Anikitos (Agatha) Georgaroudis.

Family and friends will gather at Strifflers of White Oak Cremation and Mortuary Services, Inc., 1100 Lincoln Way, White Oak, PA 15131 (Sue Striffler Galaski, supervisor, 412-678-6177), on Monday, February 3, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. (The Traditional Greek Orthodox Trisagion Service will begin at 6:30 p.m.). There will be an additional gathering period at the Annunciation of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church, 1128 Summit Street, White Oak, PA 15131, on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 12:00 p.m. Burial and committal prayers will follow at McKeesport and Versailles Cemetery.

Should friends desire, memorial contributions are suggested to the Annunciation of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church in White Oak, PA, or to the Westmoreland Food Bank, www.westmorelandfoodbank.org.

The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to the staff at Arden Courts of Jefferson Hills who so lovingly cared for Maria in her final months.

To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.strifflerfuneralhomes.com