Mary Gamvetas Klaras

Mary Klaras August 15, 1917 - January 30, 2015 Mary Gamvetas Klaras of Waco died peacefully on Friday, January 30, 2015, at her daughter's home in Austin, surrounded by her children. In accordance with Greek Orthodox tradition, at the time of her passing, prayers for the departed were recited at various churches and monasteries. Services will be at 3:00 p.m., Monday, February 2, at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church with the Father Theodore Ted Tsitsilianos and Father Vasileios Flegas officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. A Trisagion Prayer Service will be held 3:00 p.m., Sunday, February 1, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Chapel. Mary was born August 15, 1917, in Tyler, Texas, to Nicholas and Victoria Gamvetas. She graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in Waco and Four-C Business College. She married Jim Klaras in Athens, Greece, in 1939. She was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker and worked for many years as a receptionist and bookkeeper at Nick's Restaurant. She was a lifelong member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Waco. She was preceded in death by her parents; loving husband, Jim Klaras; sister, Evangeline Agalou; brothers, Bill Gamvetas and Gus Gamvetas; cousin, Nick Klaras; and many other cherished relatives. She is survived by her daughters, Vicki Klaras of Waco and Patricia Klaras of Austin; son, George Klaras and wife, Wanda, of Cedar Hill; grandson, Morgan Klaras; cousins, Estelle Klaras, Pat Grammas, Luanne Klaras, Evan Klaras and wife, Kimberly, and Karen Goss and husband, Grant; niece, Elaine Dupre and husband, Bill; nephews, Stephen Agalou and Nick Agalou; and many other loving relatives. Mary will be remembered as possessing a calm, generous, giving spirit. She celebrated 97 years of love and quiet, faithful service to her family and to her church. May her memory be eternal. Pallbearers are Morgan Klaras, Stephen Agalou, Nick Agalou, Evan Klaras, John Giotes, Alex Dris and Jim Courey. The family wishes to thank the many caregivers who provided loving and gentle kindness at this stage of her life. Memorials may be made to St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church of Austin, and Klaras Children's Center. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WHBfamily.com.