Susan Joan Thomas Maheras, wife, mother, grandmother, fell asleep in the Lord at home, surrounded by her family, after a long, brave, spirited battle with cancer on November 8, 2011.  She was born on May 16, 1942, in Syracuse, New York, and raised in a loving family.   Susan was a remarkable woman who had a gift for making friends of whomever she met and kept them as friends for many years.  She exuded warmth and love and seemed to hug you with her smile.  Together with her deep faith and sense of humor she navigated through life and was the heart of her family.
Devoted to her Church she was active in the Greek Orthodox Youth Movement. She became a pillar of the youth organization in Upstate New York and parts of Canada.  In her twenties she traveled widely becoming District Chairman of the Youth organization and helped establish it in many parishes in her district.
She met and married Fr. John G. Maheras through her activities.  They recently celebrated 45 years of matrimony. As a priest's wife, she continued her mission and created a program for young adults that was implemented 35 years ago and is still used today.
In addition to her dedication to her Church, she had an avocation and was widely involved in local politics in Rockland County, NY. Working diligently with the local school board in promoting and encouraging the election of candidates who had as their agenda, the finest education available for the children.  Active in the PTA in the school district she was President for many years and encouraged parents to be active in the education of their children.
Eventually, life brought her family to Scituate, MA., where she has resided for over 26 years.  She brought her love of her faith and Church, her political acumen and then tried her hand at business.  She owned and operated Clipper Travel for 22 years. A fledgling agency she developed it into one with clients from around the country and New England. Her work at Clipper Travel will continue through her children.
Along with her love for her Orthodox faith, her avid interest in politics, her business acumen, she enjoyed cooking. Her palate was such that she would discern what flavor a meal would take if she added a spice or condiment.   Her family enjoyed all of her meals knowing there would be enough food for lunch the next day.  Her passions included along with cooking, crocheting, playing with her grandchildren.
She leaves her husband John and five daughters: Despina and her husband John and their children Nicholas, Zachary and Alexander; Aspasia and her husband Martin and their daughter Nevena: Stefania and her husband Will and their children Christopher and Sofia: Georgia and her husband Patrick and their children; Kassiani and Ioan:  Paige and her husband Bob and their children; Kim and Natalie: her mother Aspasija Thomas; a brother John and his wife Joanne and numerous nephews and nieces, cousins and relatives.
The wake will be at St. Catherine Greek Orthodox Church, 119 Common Street, Braintree, MA from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on November 11th, 2011, with the Trisagion Memorial Service at 7:00 pm.  A Divine Liturgy will be served in her memory at 9:30 am followed by the Funeral Service at St. Catherine Greek Orthodox Church at 11:00am on November 12, 2011.   Burial will be at the Union Cemetery in Scituate, MA.   In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 73 Bradford Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201.

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