Obituary of Mary Economou

Mary (Faklis) Economou passed away at her home in Santa Cruz, California, on Wednesday morning, July 22nd. Mary (Maria) was born on February 6, 1926, in Symi, Greece, to Irene (Lambros) and George Faklis. They left Greece and moved to the United States, settling in Campbell, Ohio, during her infancy. In 1947 she married her sweetheart, Michael, and raised three children in Youngstown, Ohio. In 1979, they moved to Santa Cruz, California. She was a member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Youngstown, Ohio, and a member of Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church in Santa Cruz, California. Mary was loved by everyone who knew her. In spite of her health limitations and physical handicaps, Mary never gave up trying to do as much as she could, always with a smile and pleasant attitude. Mary enjoyed being a homemaker and particularly loved to cook and bake, specializing in Greek cuisine and desserts. She loved playing bingo, card games, and word puzzles. Mary was preceded in death a year ago by her beloved husband, Michael, of 67 years. She leaves two sons: Nicholas (wife Annemarie), living in Mooresville, North Carolina, and George, living in Santa Cruz, California, and one daughter, Irene, living in San Jose, California. She also leaves seven grandchildren: Mary Claire, Michael, Christina, Elizabeth, John, Luke, and Julie; two great-grandchildren: Killian and Cormac; and two sisters: Eva and Ethel living in Ohio. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Michael Faklis. Friends and family are invited to attend a brief Trisagion memorial service on Friday night, July 24, at 7:00 PM at the Santa Cruz Memorial Mission Chapel. On Saturday, July 25, Friends and family can pay final respects to Mary at the Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church located at 223 Church Street in Santa Cruz. Viewing will take place from 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM, immediately followed by the funeral service from 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM. A short graveside service will be held afterwards at the Santa Cruz Memorial Park at 1927 Ocean Street. A reception for family and friends will follow. Flowers or cards can be sent in care of the Santa Cruz Memorial Mission Chapel, 1927 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. Donations can be made on behalf of Mary Economou to Heartland Hospice, 2511 Garden Rd #200, Monterey, CA 93940.