Obituary of Maria McGuire

of Ottawa, Ontario, passed away peacefully early Sunday April 30, 2017 at 12:40 am. Born July 26, 1949 in Athens, Greece, beloved daughter of the late Demetrios Stathakis from Malakasa, Greece and the late Paraskevi (Voula) Stathakis (nee Schoina) of Athens. She is survived by her loving husband, Brian McGuire; their three children, Christina (Andrew Jeffkins and their dog Gordie), Maxwell (and his dog Marty), Alexis (Darryl Quinlan and their dog Gidget), her three sisters, Helen Kouvelas (Tony), Georgina Davis (Steve), Diane Woods (Terry), her many nieces, nephews, the extended McGuire family, all her in-laws who have loved and supported her, and her puppy Lenny.Maria spent her whole life helping others, she was a teacher, a volunteer and a full time lover of life. Her passions included hosting family and friends, travel, poetry, art, music, gardening and she was a great lover of animals. Most of all she was a devoted wife, mother and friend. She was on the Research Ethics Board at CHEO and volunteered in Palliative Care at Elisabeth Bruyere for fifteen years. Everyone who met her knew she was always available for great conversation, a good laugh or a much needed hug. The family is grateful for the excellent care she received at the Ottawa Cancer Centre and the fifth floor nurses at the Ottawa General Hospital. She was loved by many, she loved many more, and will be missed by all. A Greek orthodox service will be held on Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at 3pm at The Greek Orthodox Church at 1315 Prince of Wales Dr., Ottawa. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2017 between 1-4pm at Vittoria Trattoria 3625 Rivergate Way, Ottawa.In lieu of flowers, please send donations to her charity of choice, the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Condolence messages may be shared online at : www.heritagefh.ca