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Vassaka, Mary
Mary Vassaka, 77, of Hiawatha, formerly of Rock Island, Ill., died Friday, Jan. 27, 2012, at the Hiawatha Care Center. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31, at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 2930 31st Ave., Rock Island. There will be a visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., 6601 38th Ave., Moline, Ill., with a Trisagion service at 6:30 p.m. Burial will be in National Cemetery at Rock Island Arsenal.
Memorials may be made to National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Mary was born March 17, 1934, in Moline, Ill., the daughter of George and Aspasia Demou. She married Nicholas Vassaka on July 19, 1959, at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Rock Island, where they were formerly members. He preceded her in death on July 17, 2009. When she was younger Mary was quite active in Greek Church.
Mary was a homemaker who enjoyed raising her two children, being outdoors and had a love for animals. In her later years she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.
Her quick wit and sense of humor will be greatly missed.
Survivors include a daughter, Julie (Todd) Becker of Cedar Rapids; a son, James (Gloria) Vassaka of Sacramento, Calif.; two grandchildren, Kailee and Chase; and a stepgrandchild, Jade Becker.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and brothers, John and Sam Demou.
Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting her obituary at .
Published Jan. 29, 2012 in The Gazette
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