Mary Smyrniotis

Mary Joann Mandas Smyrniotis

Mary was born on October 21, 1942 to

George P. Mandas(Louka, Greece) and Wilma Soter(Ogden, Utah).

They lived in McGill, Nevada. They were blessed with eight children.

Mary was their fourth child, their first daughter. 

Mary was a devoted, loving sister to all her siblings. Her bond with her sisters Georgia and Elaine, was extraordinary.

Mary was a highly gifted student and avid reader. She graduated with honors from White Pine High School in 1961.

Mary and her family were devoted members at St. Barbara's Greek Orthodox Church in McGill, Nevada.

Mary always felt a great pride  to be born in the United States and to be raised with a strong Greek culture. She held this honor with the utmost respect and elegance.

During the same year she met her love Christos Smyrniotis. They were married, August 24 1961 and shared 62 blessed years together. Christos always referred to her as his queen.

The two lovebirds started off their life in Long Beach, California.

They were blessed with three daughters, Marina(George), Vasho(Rex) and Joanna(Mike). 

Mary was an outstanding hostess, she loved to entertain family and friends always. She managed the restaurant, her three children and everything in between amazingly. 

In the summer of 1973, Mary and Christos moved the family to New Cuyama, California where they began their farming business.

The 1000 acre farm became a place where many people visited. To this day those that enjoyed  "the farm", reminisce about Mary's gracious Fillotimo & hospitality. 

In January 1976, the family moved to Anchorage, Alaska.

Mary showed her strength and love by holding her family close together especially being so far away from all our loved ones.

This lead them back  to New Cuyama where eventually they made the decision to move to Downey, California. where she made the rest of her amazing life journey.

Mary was a beautiful, kind generous woman who would rather give then receive, selflessly. Especially to her grandchildren 

Athanasia, MaryAnn,

Victoria, Anthoula

Stacia, Christos(Savannah)

George, Christo, Jordan(Desiree) Jacob(Lindsay)

And her Great-grandchildren 

Yorgos Micah, Magnolia Vasiliki,

Presley Diane, Bryden Michael and Cooper James.

Mary will be immensely missed  by so many people, of whom she always made sure, they knew, how much she loved them. 

So many called her Gigi, Yiayia, Theia, Auntie, Nouna, Koubara, Cousin and last, but definitely not least Friend!

These titles and relationships enriched her with so much joy.

Mary is survived by her husband, daughters, son in laws, grandchildren, great grandchildren, brother-Pete Mandas, sister-Georgia Hatzidakis and brother-John Mandas

Mary genuinely inspired so many of us. Although she will be missed, we are content in knowing she is without pain. in a beautiful place, surrounded by many loving wonderful people who preceded her.

All Services will be held at the

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church

5761 E Colorado Street

Long Beach, California 90814

Trisigion Service: Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at 7 PM

Funeral Service: Thursday, November 2, 2023 at 10 AM

Makaria Luncheon: Immediately Following Burial 

Arrangements are under the care of 

Forest Lawn, Cypress

4471 Lincoln Avenue 

Cypress, California 90630

(888) 204-3131