Mary Koravos, 98, died peacefully in her home on Tuesday January 30, 2024. Mary, a lifelong resident of Lowell, was a daughter to Greek immigrant parents, Olympia and Elias Koravos. She attended the Hellenic American School as a child and later entered the Lowell Public School system. She was predeceased by her parents, her five brothers, Nicholas, Thomas, Venizelos, Christos, and her twin brother Joseph, as well as her one sister, Rose. With the help of her family, she raised two daughters, Joyce, and Georgia Ann Kessaris.
Mary was a natural sportswoman partaking in any sport available. Her agility and strength made her the amazement of all who watched her. Her favorite sport was swimming. If there was a body of water to be found, ocean, lake, river or pool, Mary could be found in it relishing every stroke. As if sports weren’t enough to keep her energy up, she exercised daily; calisthenics in the morning, stretching in the evening and in her final years she dedicated her skills to teaching an aerobics class to seniors at the YMCA.
Healthy eating was also a part of her daily regimen. She followed her habitual cup of coffee with two cups of hot water, one immersed with diced garlic, the other with freshly squeezed lemon. Many thought this was her secret to longevity, but we will never know.
Mary’s chosen lifestyle gave her a healthy existence well into her nineties and she professed healthy eating and daily exercise to everyone. At one point she challenged anyone who came into her home to stand erect, reach down and touch their toes. Many failed.
Mary was employed with the Defense Contract Audit Agency, an agency in the US Department of Defense, for 25 years. She started her employment in Waltham and later moved to their office in Wiesbaden Germany, where she stayed for 10 years enjoying travel throughout Europe. After retiring from the government, but not yet ready to finalize her career, she accepted a position with the Lowell Public School system at the Moody School as an office administrator. Her readiness for final retirement didn’t come until age 72.
Mary is survived by her two daughters, Joyce Kessaris Limberopoulos, and Georgia Ann Kessaris McColough, son-in-law, William Limberopoulos, (deceased) son-in-law, William F. McColough, (deceased) step grandson, Nicholas Limberopoulos, many nieces and nephews and finally her beloved Cavapoo, Belina.
Mary was the last of the Koravos siblings from the ‘Greatest Generation’, a generation of courageous men and women whose sacrifices allowed us the freedom we live today, for that we thank her, and for that she will always be remembered……
Visiting hours will be held at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church on Lewis Street in Lowell on Saturday February 3, 2024, from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, funeral services from 11:00AM – 12:00PM, interment at Westlawn Cemetery and finally a Celebration of Life in her home at 2:00PM.
In lieu of flowers Mary would be pleased to know that a like contribution be made in her memory to one of the organizations that served her. The Hellenic American Academy, 41 Broadway St, Lowell, MA 01854, the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 62 Lewis St, Lowell, MA 01854, or to the YMCA of Lowell, 35 YMCA Drive, Lowell, MA 01852. Arrangements by the MAHONEY FUNERAL HOME, 187 Nesmith Street, Lowell, 978-452-6361. Please find us on facebook or visit www.MahoneyFuneralHome.com to leave the family a message of condolence.
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