Maria Nicholas (Aliotis) Raptis
Born: October 19th, 1913
Passed on: January 11th, 2009
95, Sydney It is with heavy hearts and with most loving memories that we are saddened to announce the passing of our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Maria Raptis. Maria passed away at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital surrounded by her family on Jan. 11, 2009. Maria was born in Saint John, N.B., Oct. 19, 1913, and at the young age of two moved to Halifax. She was a survivor of the Halifax Explosion. Later in life she met and married the love of her life Christos Raptis and moved to Sydney where they were family owners of the Diana Sweets Restaurant. Maria lived a much fulfilled life. Her greatest joy was being surrounded by family. Maria's pride and joy besides her daughter were her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and Linda, whom she thought of as her granddaughter, all of whom she was very proud of. Maria was a member of St. Anargyroi (Anargyree) Greek Orthodox Church. She was a deeply spirited woman. In her younger years she was a member of the Cape Breton Orchestra in which she played the violin and truly enjoyed. She also was a longtime member of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Ladies Auxiliary and was quite proud of the work they were able to accomplish. Maria was also a long-standing member of the Liberal Association for many years. Maria enjoyed travelling which she did extensively with her husband. She was an avid card player as well as a bingo player. She enjoyed her Friday mornings at the Casino with friends. She was the icon of the family with many stories to tell. No one passed through her doors without having at least a cup of tea, many with homemade sweets. One of her favourite pastimes was doing crossword puzzles, as she said this kept your mind young. Her love for life gave all hope and joy. Maria spent many hours knitting clothing for her grandchildren. She often remarked many times that she had nothing to regret in life as she had a very satisfied and happy one and we should not put aside what we wanted to do in life. Go out, enjoy and live it to the fullest. Besides her parents, Smaro and Nicholas, Maria was predeceased by her husband, Christos, brother, George, and sister, Lily. Maria leaves behind to mourn her family, daughter, Christina Higgins (John); grandchildren, Christopher Kieley and wife Linda whom resided with her for many years, Lisa Kieley Hanna (Ron), New Brunswick, Angela Kieley (Donnie), Sydney, Cynthia Kieley (Brian), Sydney; great-grandchildren, Christina, Sophia and Joey. She will also be missed by her great friend and sister-in-law, Chrisoula Raptis, Sydney; and nephew, Chris Pilichos, Halifax. Visitation will take place Wednesday, Jan. 14, at the S.W. Chant & Son Funeral Home, 564 Alexandra St., Sydney, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral mass will be held 3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, at the St. Anargyroi (Anargyree) Greek Orthodox Church, Glace Bay. In lieu of flowers, donations in Maria's name can be made to the St. Anargyroi (Anargyree) Greek Orthodox Church, Glace Bay, or charity of your choice. Online condolences may be sent to our webpage at www.chantfuneralhome.com.
