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MARIA BABLECOS
Unexpectedly, in the early hours on the humid Winnipeg day of August 26, 2024, our beloved mom and widowed wife of Aris, Maria “Maro” Bablecos, passed away.
Maro was born in Thessaloniki, Greece, the third of four children to her mother Sophia and father Ioannis on New Year’s Eve of 1939. Mom’s surviving siblings are her eldest brother Apostoli in Connecticut, and her youngest sister Fani in Thessaloniki. Mom’s second oldest brother, Thanasi of Connecticut, passed in 2002.
Mom grew up in Thessaloniki and proudly shared her experiences and adventures, including her favourite story of meeting a Green Beret named Aristides stationed in Thessaloniki, who then became the love of each other’s lives. They immigrated to Winnipeg and married in 1964 where they had three children, daughter Sophia, son Vasili, and daughter Marina.
Mom had a kind heart, and a very generous personality, and was a master in the art of hospitality. Mom made everyone feel welcome and always offered you something to eat, and no thank you was an unacceptable answer! Mom’s cooking was envied by many, especially her spanakopita. She was a mom to everyone, whether it was in our home, in our corner store, or anywhere she visited.
Mom had a passion for conversation and had a gift for coming up with priceless rebuttals that left people astounded while laughing uncontrollably.
Mom’s source of comfort and strength was in her Greek Orthodox faith, and she made sure she instilled these values in us. She had many fond memories of visiting various monasteries in Greece and loved socializing with the people she met on her pilgrimages.
Mom’s final years had some challenging moments, but mom accepted them all and always impressed everyone with her persistence and strength.
If we can sum up mom’s time in this life in one sentence it is this: Maria proudly lived life on her own terms, period.
We would like to thank the staff at Health Sciences Centre who treated mom in the most precious way. The staff in the RESUS, ER, and SICU areas were excellent.
We would also like to thank all who helped mom on her heavenly journey; Father Nick Tambakis who stayed with mom until the end, Santa Lucia Morris for the excellent catering, Mike and the staff at Voyage Funeral Homes for taking extra care of mom, the pallbearers, and the staff at Brookside Cemetery. The outpouring of support from our family, friends, and community has brought us tears of joy, thank you.
Publish Date: Aug 31, 2024
MARIA BABLECOS
With sadness, the family announces the passing of Maria on August 26, 2024, at the age of 84.
Prayers will be held at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 2255 Grant Avenue, on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.
Funeral Service will be held at the same location on Friday, August 30, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Brookside Cemetery.
A longer obituary will follow in Saturday's paper.
Publish Date: Aug 28, 2024
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 28, 2024, Aug 28, 2024, Aug 31, 2024
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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So sad to learn of this nearly 1 year later. Sorry I wasn't aware and offer my support in anyway possible, even though I am living near Edmonton, AB these days. I have only fond memories of your family growing up in the neighborhood and visiting the family corner store on the regular for Mojos as they were the most affordable on my fixed allowance/income. Knowing quite well, Marina who was a classmate and Bill, who was my brother's classmate, later, good friend of mine to this day. Anytime we crossed paths, it was always a caring and enjoyable conversation for me, from both of you. Always thoughtful questions about family and life... Always evident were good family values, instilled in both of you. Though distance separates us and we rarely engage in conversations these days, just know I hold you all dear in my heart. Bill was there for us when my father passed and I only wish I could have returned the same kindness. Your Mom, Maria only showed kindness the times I have seen and interacted with her in my younger years. Even when she thought the stitches that were in my nose from a Red River EX fall was just string on my nose and pulled on it, I truly knew she was only trying to help, even though it hurt 😣 probably less than I recall, being a wimpy little kid at the time. 😄 You were blessed with wonderful parents and your family was a bright light in the neighborhood. Seeing this only today, her passing was on my day of birth and now forever a reminder of your loss, but her glorious ascension into Heaven and being greeted by your father is a wonderful thought to hold dear. I will remember and pray for your family every year on August 26th, just as I am today 🙏 All glory to God and may his grace be upon you ❤️ Your friend, Greg Huszar - Posted by: Greg Huszar (Childhood Friend to Marina and Bill) on: Jun 04, 2025
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Dear Vassilios: In Saturday's Free Press, I found out that your beloved mother had passed away. I would like to offer my condolences for your loss. Please keep fond memories of her in your heart. Yr. Unrepentant piano-playing friend, Yvette. - Posted by: Yvette Berger (Friend) on: Sep 03, 2024
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We express our deepest condolences (Sophia, Bill, Marina & family) for your loss and offer our prayers. Your mother was a strong force of kindness with a devotion to family, hospitality/philoxenia, and dedication to the Hellenic community. She will be fondly remembered at many gatherings. She offered much wisdom and advice through her concern for others. Aristotle once said:” What is the essence of life? To serve and do good”. Maria clearly led a life with great essence. She will be missed. May her memory be eternal. - Posted by: William/Simon Constan & Family (Friend) on: Sep 02, 2024
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Marina and family I am so sorry for your loss. Take care of yourselves and each other. Rest in Peace. - Posted by: Lisa R (Former coworker ) on: Aug 30, 2024
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So very sorry to hear of your loss. The Bablecos family have been friends for many years. Albert worked with Aris, we dealt with him for several real estate deals & shared several family celebrations together. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sophia, Marina & Billy during this very difficult time today & the days & years to come. My sincere condolences to all your family. Your mother will now be re-united with Aris. Rest in peace Maria. Betty Lannoo - Posted by: Betty Lannoo (friend) on: Aug 29, 2024
