Funeral services will be held on Monday, Nov. 30, 2015, at 1 p.m. at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church for Maria Coutris Glinatsis, 72, who passed away peacefully on Nov. 25, 2015, at St. Elizabeth Boardman Health Center, surrounded by her loving children.
Maria was born on Sept. 12, 1943, in Youngstown, to Stephen and Mamie Michelakis Meshel Coutris.
A proud Golden Bear, Maria graduated from East High School in 1961. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, Magna Cum Laude, from Youngstown State University. Maria continued her education at the University of Pittsburgh, receiving a Master’s Degree in Education.
She married Charles Glinatsis on June 20, 1971.
A dedicated teacher in the Youngstown City School District, Maria received two Martha Holden Jennings Awards for Excellence in Teaching. Maria loved her students, and spent countless hours outside of the classroom caring for them and making each child feel special. She retired in 2013, after 32 years of service to the children of Youngstown.
Maria was a treasured grandmother, mother, sister and friend. She generously gave of herself unconditionally and without request for acknowledgment. Maria lived for her children and grandchildren, instilling in them a love of learning and pride for her Greek heritage. She was a lifelong parishioner of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. Maria was a true matriarch of her family whose knowledge and quick wit will be deeply missed.
She leaves to cherish her memory, three children, Detra Glinatsis of Boston, Attorney Denise (Joshua) Glinatsis Bayer of Canfield, and Philip Glinatsis of Baltimore; two grandchildren, for whom she was a loving and devoted “Yiayia”, Zoe Bayer and Sebastian Bayer of Canfield; her brother, George (Jamie) Coutris of Poland; and many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives, and lifelong friends.
Maria was preceded in death by her parents.
Friends may call from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 29, 2015, at the Vaschak-Kirila Funeral Home, and immediately before the funeral service at the church.
Prayer service will be held at the funeral home at 3 p.m. on Sunday.
Memorial gifts may be made in Maria’s memory to The Maria Coutris Glinatsis Scholarship, c/o, The YSU Foundation, 606 Wick Ave., Youngstown, OH 44502, and to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 220 N. Walnut St., Youngstown, OH 44503.

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