Maria K. Tsistinas

Maria Katherine Tsistinas, 63, of Holmdel, passed away Wednesday, March 10, 2021. Maria was born and raised in Jackson Heights, Queens, N.Y. on May 7, 1957, a daughter of the late Anna and Kyros  Tsistinas. She attended Public School 19 where she trained and worked in a workshop.  Maria did not let the fact that she was born with Down's Syndrome hold her back. She would take the crowded bus daily to Flushing, NY, and then another to Jamaica, NY, under rush hour conditions. But oh, how she looked forward to getting and showing off her paycheck which she earned at the end of the week. She was so proud!  Maria loved to socialize and brought such joy to everyone she met. She was a big football fan, which she watched ardently on TV. She also enjoyed making latch hook tapestries and large jigsaw puzzles. And like most ladies, Maria loved to go shopping! She especially liked to find the new perfect pocketbook. She would carefully analyze every bag until she found the perfect one with enough pockets for all her needs. Maria was so loved by family and friends. Although Maria was uncomfortable around animals, she would look forward to visiting her neighbor, whose large parrot would eagerly greet Maria when she visited every day. Maria exhibited such a zest for life. Her personality was full of spunk. She was even known to enjoy rides on the back of her brother Chris' motorcycle. We all have fond memories of her wit and good humor and will treasure these memories forever. Maria is survived by her loving brother, Chris Tsistinas; her loving sister Fran (Dino) Nonas; loving niece Dr. Stephanie Nonas; loving nephew Demetri (Beth) Nonas, along with their children Dean and Elizabeth. We are grateful to all the caregivers at Arnold Walter Nursing Home for their years of care and support in tending to Maria's needs. Friends and family may pay their respects on Tuesday 3/16  from 10-11 am at Scott & Kedz Home for Funerals in Belford, NJ. A memorial prayer will follow, conducted by Fr. Lekkas at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, donations in Maria's memory may be made to Kimisis Greek Orthodox Church, 20 Hillcrest Rd., Holmdel, NJ 07733

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