Mary M. Yankopolus, 104, of Clearwater, Florida, formerly of Bristol, CT, New Bedford, and Mattapoisett, passed away at home on October 11, 2024.
Born and raised in Bristol, CT, she was the second of four daughters of the late Custas D. and Anna Mamatseo, proprietors of Bristol’s popular Palace of Sweets restaurant. Mary worked in the family store from a young age until she married. In 1938 she graduated from Bristol High School. Following graduation, she accompanied her mother to Kozani, Greece, to deliver a Seth Thomas tower clock manufactured in Bristol. A donation from her father, it was a gift to her parents’ city of origin and a symbol of gratitude to his humble beginnings. Installed in 1939, it continues to adorn the landmark city square bell tower. The nearly six-month stay was cut short by impending war in Europe. Her visit reinforced her love for family and Greek heritage. It was an experience that connected her in spirit to that city for life.
In 1943 she married Konstantine G. Yankopolus, M.D. and moved to New Bedford, MA. There she began to raise a family and integrate into that community while her husband served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Eventually they would establish a permanent home in New Bedford where she would raise her children, run a busy household, manage her husband’s solo medical practice, and become an active member of local civic, charitable, and Greek cultural organizations. A lifelong member of the local St. George Greek Orthodox parish, she was a faithful servant to the community. She served with a core of ladies who devoted their time, skills, and treasure to prepare countless community dinners, organize Greek festivals and food fests, and conduct fundraisers for charity. Her efforts were a way to sustain cultural traditions and pass them on to younger generations. Like many Greeks, Mary had a zeal for cooking and baking, especially traditional Greek foods and pastries. That energy carried over to her tireless promotion of the St. George Generations of Cooking, Philoptochos Society cookbook. “It’s in the cookbook!” became her trademark retort whenever anyone asked how to make a dish.
Mary expressed her love and commitment to others through her deeds, expecting nothing in return. She embodied the spirit of “philotimo”, a Greek concept for life that includes qualities of generosity and compassion. It guides one to strive for good, and in her, an obligation to do the right thing. It guided her life, her love for family, her relationship with friends, and the welfare of her community.
Mary’s favorite place, after Bristol and Kozani, was her beloved oceanside Mattapoisett cottage. Every summer the house would come to life with what seemed like a steady stream of visitors. All were greeted by her generosity and philoxenia. The cottage was a place for tennis, the beach, lively conversation, anything outdoors, and for anyone looking for a good meal, homemade treat, or cup of Greek coffee. It was the place for a good life made possible because of her love and tireless energy. Often, she would say “Don’t ask. Give” when it came to serving guests. Mary also had a love for vanilla ice cream and every neighborhood kid knew where to find a Dainty Maid ice cream sandwich treat. Her spirit of giving created a community of love and kindness wherever she went that is fondly remembered still. The family is overwhelmed by the kindness, memories, and loving remembrances already shared.
Mary lived her final years in Clearwater, FL to be with family and avoid New England winters. A seasonal resident for many years, she also joined Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church while still maintaining ties to St George. She established close connections with some contemporaries of the Greek immigrant community, as well as neighbors at her home. Marianthy, as she was known to the Greeks, continued to enjoy a rich cultural, social, and religious life despite her age. The family would like to extend a thank you to Father Jim Paris and the kind parishioners of Holy Trinity Clearwater for welcoming her to their community, and again to Father Jim for providing end-of-life spiritual care.
Also, and without question, the family extends their deepest appreciation for the love and kindness expressed by friends and neighbors, especially the parish of St. George, Mary’s spiritual, cultural, and social home for over 80 years. The community was a source of great joy for her and ultimately the place that would welcome her to her final resting place.
Mary was connected in holy matrimony with her beloved husband for 65 years until his passing in 2009. She is survived by her three sons, George, Konstantine and Demetrius; two daughters, Paula and Anna; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Viewing will take place at 8 am Saturday, October 26th at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 186 Cross Rd., Dartmouth, MA. The funeral service will follow at 9 am, Burial will be in Acushnet Cemetery. The mercy meal will be held immediately after at the Century House, 107 South Main St, Acushnet, MA 02743.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in her memory to either St. George Greek Orthodox Church, P.O. Box 79411, North Dartmouth, MA 02747; Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 409 S. Old Coachman Rd., Clearwater, FL 33765; or the charity of your choice. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
