Mary Grivakis Mallis, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, cousin and dear friend, passed away peacefully at Edenwald Senior Living on Friday, July 11, 2025, at the age of 101.

Mary was born on February 17, 1924, in New York City to the late Constantine A. and Smaragda Grivakis, both Greek immigrants who arrived in the United States in the early 1900's. She was preceded in death by her brother, Ernest Grivakis.

Mary and her family moved to Montreal in the early 1930's. As a young child, she earned the nickname "Bella," enjoyed the snow, and playing goalie during ice hockey games with her brother and friends. The years in Montreal allowed her to become proficient in French, English and Greek.

After a few years in Montreal, the family returned to New York City, where her love of learning enabled her to complete the 7th and 8th grades in one year. The family moved to Baltimore, which at age 13, was initially a disappointment to her. However, this is where she spent the next 88 years, living a life full of love and joy.

In Baltimore, she continued her education at Forest Park High School and matriculated at Hood College from where she graduated, in 1946, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in French and English. She furthered her education in foreign language studies at the Johns Hopkins University. Education was a priority that was instilled in her, which she in turn, instilled in her family.

In 1947, Mary married the late Michael Nicholas Mallis, with whom she shared 67 years. Together, they raised their family of four, exemplifying the strength, love and respect for one another and unity of familial bonds.

Mary was Michael's "first mate" aboard the family boats, Mardina and Mardina II, where they embraced their love for boating and cruising on the Chesapeake Bay with family and many friends. She was always an avid Orioles fan, a Colts fan, and later a Ravens fan.

Throughout their life together, Mary and Michael loved to travel, exploring destinations across the globe, including Austria, United Kingdom, Greece, China, Hong Kong, Jerusalem, and Russia, among others. Music and dancing brought them joy, and they were devoted subscribers to the Baltimore Symphony for nearly six decades.

Mary was also a proud First Lady of Boumi Temple, where she and her husband were active in the Boumi Shrine organization for many years. As a member of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation, she always supported the Cathedral's philanthropic missions.

As the matriarch of her family, and frequently referred to as "Mother Mary," she was a source of unwavering love, wisdom, and incredible strength. She spent her entire life caring for others, whether it was her parents, aunt, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and her children and their families. Her secret to longevity was "good clean living, doing everything myself, and not always following doctors' orders," which reflected her remarkable toughness, resilience and independence.

Mrs. Mallis is survived by her four children: Nicholas (Jean) Mallis; Jeanne (Emanuel) Caminis; Magda (Tally) Osburn; Dina Mallis Klicos.

She was the cherished grandmother of ten: Jennifer (Douglas) Blair; Julie (William) Hassenplug; Michael (Megan) Mallis; James Caminis; Marina Caminis; Eleni Caminis (Erik Skow); Michael (Rachel) Osburn; Kristen (Jeffrey) Hull; Nicholas Klicos; Michael Klicos (fiancé, Brandy Scott).

Mrs. Mallis also leaves behind ten beloved great-grandchildren: Ryan, Colin, and Declan Blair; Cole and Claire Hassenplug; Theodore and Josephine Osburn; Ruby and Maximus Hull; and Rio Skow. She is also survived by her Godchildren, Eugenia Hawley and Jerry Krometis, former son-in-law George Klicos, as well as several nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

The family of Mrs. Mallis would like to extend their deepest gratitude to all who loved and cared for her throughout her remarkable life.

Her beautiful spirit, both inside and out, will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. May her memory be eternal.

Visitation

Ruck Towson Funeral Home, Inc.

1050 York Road, Towson, MD

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

3pm-8pm, with Trisagion Service at 6pm

Funeral Service

Chapel of the Holy Resurrection at the Greek Orthodox Cemetery

5917 Windsor Mill Road, Woodlawn, MD

Thursday, July 24, 2025

9:30am Lying-in-State

10am Service followed by the entombment at Lorraine Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation, Capital Campaign, 24 W. Preston Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, or to the Mary G. Mallis Scholarship Prize at Hood College, Office of Institutional Advancement, 401 Rosemont Avenue, Frederick, MD 21701.