Maria K. ‘Kiki’ Vatakis – Monessen

Maria K. “Kiki” Vatakis, 90, of Monessen, passed away on Wednesday, April 29, 2020, at the Mon Valley Care Center. She was born in the village of Christos on the Greek Island of Ikaria, a daughter of the late Constantine and Garifalio Loizos Koklanaris. Kiki was a survivor of World War II. She and her late mother had come to the United States in 1947. From Ellis Island, she and her mother made their way to Monessen to meet her father. In Monessen, she had met her husband, George, while working at the Union Cleaners. They had a happy life with their children in Monessen. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She had been a part-owner of the Union Cleaners of Monessen, and everyone knew her as “Kiki”or “Yiayia”  She had always quietly helped those in need. She was a member of St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church of Monessen. Surviving are her daughters, Angel and husband Dennis Boles of Murrysville, and Felicia and husband Ronald Mason of Cleveland; son, Nick Vatakis of Monessen; grandchildren, John and wife Paula Boles, Chris Boles, Alexa and Dana Vatakis and their mother, Rosemary; great-grandchildren, Emma and Grayson Boles; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, George Vatakis; and a sister, Marika Kirry. The family would like to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to Connie for all her devotion to our mother and to Wendy for making her laugh. Private funeral arrangements were entrusted to the RHOME FUNERAL HOME INC., 1209 Grand Blvd., Monessen. Burial was held in the Grandview Cemetery of Monessen. Memorial contributions in Mrs. Vatakis’ name may be made to St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church of Monessen or the Monessen Citadel of the Salvation Army. Online condolences may be conveyed to the Vatakis family at www.rhomefuneralhome.com