Yiayia Maria always chose happiness
The daughter of Greek immigrants lived in Palm Harbor and died of natural causes at 88.
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Mary Poniros, pictured at center with a friend, left, and her daughter, Despina Catsikopoulos, right, loved to dance. She danced here at the wedding of her grandson, John Catsikopoulos. She also loved Motown and baking her famous Greek cookies. [ Courtesy Maria Catsikopoulos ]
Updated Dec. 14, 2020
As she lay dying in her daughterâs Palm Harbor home, Mary Poniros told her youngest granddaughter this: âI have no ill will toward anyone. I love you all. See you soon.â
Mrs. Poniros, known as Yiayia Maria, didnât come to that peaceful place from an easy life. It was a choice.