A beautiful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 15, 2008. Maritsa Valudes, 94, of Lititz, was born in Kos, Greece on March 3, 1913. She was the daughter of the late Stamatios and Zaferiou Fournaris. She is survived by her sister, Aspasia Papavasilion. Her brother, James Fournaris preceded her in death. Maritsa and her late husband, Michael J. Valudes had celebrated 71 years of marriage. 

She had immigrated to America from Greece in 1929 on the maiden Italian vessel, “Vorkania” and entered through Ellis Island. She and her sister lived with Michael and Eftihia Chaknos before her marriage. 

Maritsa was an outstanding cook and baker of all the Greek delicacies, passing down her recipe to her daughter, daughter in law, and granddaughters. In addition she had a love for all beautiful flowers and trees and instilled this love to her family.  

She was a member of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Lancaster where she was a member of the Daughters of Penelope. At one time she was part of the first Bazaar held at the Armory Building on N. Queen St. 

In addition to her sister, she is survived by two sons, John M., husband of Dorothy Snyder Valudes, and Thomas M. of Lititz; one daughter, Zaferula V. Yelagotes, wife of Dr. George J. Yelagotes of Lititz, and a daughter-in-law, Terry Essis, wife of Frank Essis of Lancaster. She was preceded in death by her son, Nicholas M. Valudes who died in 1981. 

Her survivors also include eight grandchildren: Michael J. Valudes, Paula Jones, Melissa Vulopas, Dana Keares, Elizabeth Gatti, Alisa Valudes, Leigh Valudes, and Jason Valudes. In addition she has ten great grandchildren: Richard, Jon-Mikel, Wendell, Corey, Jamison, Ava, Austin, Parker, Julian, and Sydney. 

Friends and relatives are respectfully invited to attend the funeral service from the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 64  Hershey Ave. Lancaster, PA 17602 on Friday, January 18^th at 11am. There will be a viewing at the church from 9:30-11am. Final farewell will take place at Conestoga Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church or Hospice of Lancaster, 685 Good Dr. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604. Arrangements are under the care of Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home and Chapel Inc., Lititz, 560-5100.

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