In Loving Memory of Mary Grivakis Mallis (1924–2025)
Beloved Matriarch, Educator, and Philanthropist
Mary Grivakis Mallis, a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, peacefully passed away on July 11, 2025, at the age of 101 at Edenwald Senior Living in Towson, Maryland
Early Life and Education
Born on February 17, 1924, in New York City to Greek immigrants Constantine A. and Smaragda Grivakis, Mary’s early years were marked by cultural richness and resilience. The family moved to Montreal in the early 1930s, where Mary embraced the snowy landscapes and developed a love for ice hockey. Fluent in French, English, and Greek, she returned to New York City, completing two grades in one year before the family settled in Baltimore when she was 13.
Mary graduated from Forest Park High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts in French and English from Hood College in 1946. She furthered her studies in foreign languages at Johns Hopkins University, instilling a lifelong passion for education in her family.
Family and Personal Life
In 1947, Mary married Michael Nicholas Mallis, and together they shared 67 years of love and partnership. They raised four children: Nicholas (Jean) Mallis, Jeanne (Emanuel) Caminis, Magda (Tally) Osburn, and Dina Mallis Klicos. Mary was a devoted mother and grandmother, known for her unwavering love and strength. She was affectionately called “Mother Mary” by those closest to her.
Mary and Michael shared a love for boating, cruising the Chesapeake Bay aboard their boats, Mardina and Mardina II, with family and friends. Their travels took them to destinations including Austria, the United Kingdom, Greece, China, Hong Kong, Jerusalem, and Russia. They were also devoted patrons of the Baltimore Symphony for nearly six decades.
Community Involvement and Legacy
Mary was an active member of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation, supporting its philanthropic missions. She served as the First Lady of Boumi Temple, contributing to the Boumi Shrine organization for many years. Her commitment to education led to the establishment of the Mary G. Mallis Scholarship Prize at Hood College.
Known for her resilience and independence, Mary attributed her longevity to “good clean living, doing everything myself, and not always following doctors’ orders.” Her legacy lives on through her children, ten grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren, as well as her godchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Final Arrangements
A visitation was held on July 23, 2025, at Ruck Towson Funeral Home, followed by a Trisagion Service. The funeral service took place on July 24, 2025, at the Chapel of the Holy Resurrection at the Greek Orthodox Cemetery, with entombment at Lorraine Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations were requested to the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation Capital Campaign or to the Mary G. Mallis Scholarship Prize at Hood College.
Mary Grivakis Mallis’s life was a testament to love, education, and community. Her memory will forever be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.