Obituary of Mary Sotraidis Ameredes

Mary Sotraidis Ameredes, 86 of Akron, formerly of Weirton, WV, passed away Saturday, December 15, 2012. Born December 8, 1926 in Weirton, WV, she was a daughter of the late Nicholas and Arhondia Gregoriou Sotraidis. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Bill Nick Ameredes and preceded by her sister Cleopatra Leidtke and brother Van Sotraidis. Mary is survived by her sons Timothy M. (Olivia) Ameredes of Upper Arlington, OH and their daughter Elena; Bill T. (Cynthia) Ameredes of League City, TX and their daughters Patricia, Mary Elizabeth, Christiana and Serena; brother George (Penny) Sotraidis of Weirton WV; nieces Cynthia Gable (nee Sotraidis) of Powell, OH and Patricia Sotraidis of Destin, FL; nephews Van Sotraidis of St. Louis, MO, and Nicholas Sotraidis of Destin, FL. Mary was a Founder and past president of the Mid-Eastern Federation of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians (MEFGOX), and directed the first federation combined choir, in 1948. For her long and dedicated service to MEFGOX over her lifetime, she was awarded the Patriarch Athenagoras I Distinguished Service Award. Mary was educated at the Franklin School of Science and Arts in Philadelphia, PA (Class of 1947)and worked as a radiology technician early in her career, before becoming a homemaker, mother, and grandmother. Mary was a dedicated godmother as well, having baptized and stood up for numerous people in the church throughout her life. Mary loved children and would love or comfort any child that she thought needed it. She was a board member of Asia Minor Hellenic American Society (AMHAS), helping to preserve the history of the Greek-American immigrants from Asia Minor. Mary survived a bout with breast cancer over 41 years ago, and this event gave her the spirit and attitude of “the glass is always full” and that anything is possible with God on your side. She embodied this Christian ideal by always being there for people in their time of need, and she gave much of her life to various church causes. She offered unconditional love to her family and was a role model for what a mother is, and should be. Her energy and positive personality will be dearly missed by all of the people whose lives she touched. Family and friends will be received for calling hours of 5 TO 8 PM, Tuesday December 18th, 2012 at The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church 129 South Union Street, Akron, OH 44304, where Trisagion Service will be held at 7 PM. Additional visitation will be held Wednesday, December 19th, 2012 from 9:30 AM until the 10 AM funeral services at The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. The Reverend Father Jerry Hall will officiate. Following the traditional Makario Luncheon, interment will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Weirton, WV. Memorial contributions may be made to The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church 129 South Union Street Akron, OH 44304.