Maria Salpeas

Maria Salpeas, 80, of Baltimore, Maryland passed away peacefully on January 9, 2025 surrounded by loved ones after a brave battle with heart failure.

Maria was born on July 7, 1944 in Piraeus, Greece, the daughter of Demetrios Salpeas and Paraskevi Kourakou Salpeas. Throughout her life, Maria was known for her warmth, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the people she loved. The epitome of Philotimia, she had a remarkable ability to make everyone around her feel special, valued, and heard.

Maria's career of 40 years as office manager of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church was a reflection of her nurturing nature and commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others. She poured her heart into everything she did, whether professionally or in her personal relationships. Whether she was working at St. Nicholas or volunteering her time for causes close to her heart, Maria was always generous with her time, energy, and love.

Family was at the center of Maria's life. She was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and an incredible friend to all who knew her. Maria's deep love for her sons (Emmanuel Salpeas and Demetrios Kaminaris), grandchildren (Panagiota Salpeas, Evanthia Kaminaris, and Paraskevi Kaminaris), daughter-in-laws (Joanne Salpeas and Michelle Kaminaris), sister Panagiota Salpeas, and brother-in-law Nikos Chelmis was evident in all she did. She cherished spending time with her family and friends, and her home was always open to those who needed a kind word, a warm meal, or a listening ear.

In addition to her family, Maria had a passion for travel to Greece, cooking, reading, and solving crossword puzzles. Her creativity, kindness, and joy for life were infectious, and she inspired those around her to live with the same enthusiasm and generosity.

Maria is survived by her sister Panagiota Salpeas, brother-in-law Nikos Chelmis, sons Emmanuel Salpeas and Demetrios Kaminaris, grandchildren Panagiota Salpeas, Evanthia Kaminaris, Paraskevi Kaminaris, and daughter-in-laws Joanne Salpeas, and Michelle Kaminaris. She was preceded in death by her father Demetrios Salpeas, mother Paraskevi Kourakou Salpeas, and brother Nikos Salpeas. She leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and compassion, and will be missed dearly by all who knew her.

A public viewing will be held at Connelly Funeral Home of Dundalk, 7110 Sollers Point Road, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Monday, January 13, 2025. Maria will lie in state at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 520 Ponca Street, on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 10:30 AM with a funeral service to begin at 11:00 AM. Following the service, a graveside ceremony will occur at Oak Lawn Cemetery, 7225 Eastern Avenue.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church.

Maria may no longer walk among us, but her spirit, kindness, and love will continue to inspire and guide us. She will be remembered always for the way she made each person feel important and cherished, and for the unconditional love she gave so freely.

May she rest in peace.