Mary Pagonakis May 23, 1935 - August 6, 2026

Mary Pagonakis passed away peacefully at her home on August 6, 2026, surrounded by her family, at the age of 91. Mary was an inspiration to her children, Ava and Joe; her grandchildren, Max, Mia, Nick, and Nina; and to her extended family, friends, and fellow parishioners at St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church for decades.

Mary was defined by her constant devotion to helping others and by keeping our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at the center of her life in all that she accomplished and enjoyed. Born in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, her family then moved to Warren Ohio where Mary grew up.

She later met the love of her life, Mike Pagonakis, and together they moved to Cleveland, where she began her career as a cashier. Mary was known for always greeting everyone with a warm smile and engaging them in light conversation. Her dedication to helping and encouraging others continued throughout her working life, and she later trained and mentored aspiring cashiers through the Parma City School District’s Career Tech/Adult Education Program.

Her primary, life-long focus, in providing assistance to the needy, was anchored by more than a decade as the President of the St. Paul Ladies Philoptopchos Society, and many more years as a key member, where she took the lead in the donation of tens-of-thousands in charitable dollars to help countless families with food, clothing, shelter and more. Mary's effort in improving the lives of hundreds earned her the distinguished St. Photios Award presented by His Eminence Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh in 2017.

Mary would also play a key role in the development of Cleveland's St. Mary of Egypt Orthodox Food Panty, taking part in the distribution of food, clothing and household goods to hundreds of families every month.

Filled with the Holy Spirit, contagious smile, and a consistent positive can-do energy, Mary touched the lives of hundreds more as part of the Visitor Ambassador Service at the UH Parma Medical Center, providing assistance and spiritual support to patients and families coping with difficult heath challenges.

Mary Pagonakis (nee Diakakis); 91 was the beloved wife of the late Mike Pagonakis for more tha 40 years. Mary was the loving mother of Joe (Jody), and Ava Yeager (Connor).

She was the cherished grandmother of Nicholas, Nina (Alexander Treon), Maxwell (Anne), and Mia. She is survived by her dearest sisters Constantina Stacy and Marina Sidells (Dennis), as well as the late Dorothy Digiovanni (the late Benedetto), late Marsha Marinelli (late Raymond), and the late Anthony Diakakis (late Clara). Mary was the aunt and great aunt of many and dear godmother. 

The family suggests memorial contributions in Mary’s name to The St. Paul Benevolent Fund c/o St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church online, The St. Paul Ladies Philoptopchos Society, or St. Mary of Egypt Orthodox Food Pantry 4345 State Rd. Cleveland, OH 44109. 

Family and friends are asked to gather Tuesday, August 11th at St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church 4548 Wallings Rd. Broadview Heights where Funeral Services will be held at 11:00AM. VISITATION TUESDAY AT CHURCH 9:30AM UNTIL TIME OF SERVICES. Interment Rose Hill Burial Park 3653 W. Market St. Akron at 1:00PM.