Obituary of Mary Kavunedus

Kavunedus Maria Kalemkeris passed peacefully into eternal life on February 25, 2011 at the age of 104. Born in a village on the shores of the Sea of Marmara, she was one of the proud Greeks of Asia Minor (Anatolia). Her world was soon to embrace the turbulence of the times and uprooted from her home became a refugee. Thus, her life journey began. Maria came to the United States of America seeking a better life. She married and followed her husband Charles Kavunedus to Harlan, Kentucky eventually moving to Washington Heights and finally to Fort Lee where she resided for many years. She embraced two worlds, the love of her heritage and also that of her adopted country. A woman of elegance a keen intellect and an adventurous spirit even through trying times. She earned the respect of all who knew her. She will be remembered for her extraordinary talents as a story teller. Her husband, Charles Kavunedus, pre- deceased her, She is survived by her daughter, Lee Kalemkeris and her son Thomas Kavunedus and his wife Carolyn, and three grandchildren, Dianne and Klio Maria kalemkeris, and Charles Kavunedus. The family will welcome friends on February 29th from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the Feeney Funeral Home at 232 Franklin Ave, Ridgewood, New Jersey. Services shall be held at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 467 Grandview Ave, Wyckoff, New Jersey on Thursday, March 1st at 11:00 A.M. Interment will follow at Mount Hope cemetery, Hastings on the Hudson, New York. Donations may be made to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Wyckoff, New Jersey.