LYNN — Mary (Jenis) Chakreotes, age 93, of Lynn, died on Tuesday surrounded by her loving family after a brief illness. She was the wife of the late Thomas M. Chakreotes, with whom she shared 58 years of marriage. Born and raised in Somersworth, N.H., she was the daughter of the late Theodore and Evangeline (Deligiani) Jenis. A graduate of Somersworth High School, she had lived in Lynn for the past 70 years.
In Somersworth, Mary worked for the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. After moving to Lynn, she worked part time at Champion Lamp and the former Turn-Style. For 37 years, she worked for Zimman’s on Market Street in Lynn. She very much enjoyed working with the Zimman family and meeting and serving her many customers. Mary was an outstanding cook of Greek foods and pastries. Her greatest pride was to have her family over for Sunday dinners. She would also bring her Greek specialties to the many family celebrations and events over the years. A lifelong member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Mary was very religious and believed in traditions. She took pride in the yearly New Year’s Day dinner, always placing a special coin under each plate, carrying on the tradition of cutting the “vasilopita.” Mary’s family would wait in anticipation to see who got the “special” coin in the bread. She was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She will be dearly missed.
Mary is survived by her son; Michael Chakreotes; her daughter; Diana Hennessey and her husband Edward, all of Lynn; two granddaughters; Adrienne Monks and her husband William of Beverly and Gail Karakoudas and her husband Matthew of Lynn; four great-granddaughters; Calleigh and Leanna Monks and Ariana and Lexi Karakoudas; her sister; Chris Patrakis of Indian Orchard, Mass.; as well as several nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late James Jenis and Helen Primes.
Service information: Her funeral will be held on Tuesday at 10 a.m. from the SOLIMINE Funeral Home, 426 Broadway (Rt. 129), Lynn, followed by a service at 11 a.m. in St. George Greek Orthodox Church. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Lynn. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours are Monday from 3-7 p.m. Those who prefer may make donations to St. George Building Fund, 54 South Common St., Lynn, MA 01902. Directions and guest book at Solimine.com.