Mary Georgalas, 86, passed away Saturday, May 25, 2019, in the presence of loved ones while holding her daughter’s hand. Mary was born Dec. 23, 1932, in Newport News to Harry and Ourania Handges, where she spent her days roller skating up and down Washington Avenue.
She had since been a longtime resident of Seaford, lovingly watching the sun rise and set over Cabin Creek with her devoted husband.
Mary wed her childhood sweetheart, A. Jack Georgalas, on Christmas Day 1952. They were inseparable from the moment they met and shared a love greater than no other. Together, they raised their four children, Suzanne, Venisse, Jack and Harry. They loved nothing more than being together and watching their seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren run and play.
Together, the Handges and Georgalas families founded Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church. Mary and Jack continued their families’ legacy by being active members and one of the largest contributors to their parish. Mary was also the cofounder of Tri-Cities Beverage, which she and her husband established in 1959.
Mary was beautiful inside and out; the epitome of a lady. Her attention to detail came with ease in all she did. Her presence and personality always lit up a room. She exuded poise and grace and was admired by all who were lucky enough to know her.
She is survived by her loving and devoted husband, A. Jack Georgalas; children, Venisse Georgalas and Jack Georgalas; sons-in-law, Mike Kokorelis and Richard Morton; grandchildren, Zeus Blankenship, Colette and George Garofalis, Cassie and Phi Lam, Mike and Kea Kokorelis, Diane and Bobby Pearce, Ashton and Mark Ashe and Taylor Georgalas; and 10 great-grandchildren.
A Trisagion will be held at 6 p.m, Tuesday, May 28, at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, May 29, with burial immediately following in Peninsula Memorial Park, Newport News.
