Mary T. Dritselis died peacefully at her home in Christiansburg on Jan. 19, 2022.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Nicholas and Anastasia Tsakires, and her beloved brother Paul Tsakires and is survived by her children Victor Dritselis of Blacksburg, Stefani McNair of Chevy Chase, Md.; her grandchildren,Alexa McNair of San Diego, Calif. and Ian McNair (of Falls Church, Va.; her sister Dena Bowers and her husband, Kirk of Charlottesville, Va.; niece Nicole Coryell of Fredericksburg, Va; nephew Andy Bowers of Richmond, Va.; grandnieces Sophia and Brooke Coryell of Fredericksburg; and family in Thessalonica, Greece.
Mary was born in Bluefield, W.Va., to proud parents who immigrated from Greece in search of a more prosperous life. In 1962 she married and moved to Christiansburg, where she and her then-husband, John began a successful 30year career as restaurateurs and developed a reputation for quality food and service among the locals and the Virginia Tech community.
In 1982 she became a realtor with Century 21 and was awarded ABWA Business Woman of the Year. She furthered her career in real estate and helped to establish Southview Management Company.
She served on the board of the New River Valley Friends of the Roanoke Symphony for many years and was a member of the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Blacksburg, Inc., as well as the University Club of Virginia Tech. A person of faith, she was a member of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Roanoke.
Mary had impeccable taste and was enamored with the fashion world. She was widely known in her community and made many cherished friendships and acquaintances. She personified “hostess with the mostest,” throwing fabulous parties throughout the years. Guests knew her passion for entertaining, music, and dancing, and would come far and wide with their guitars, bouzoukis, and dancing shoes.
She kept a beautiful and loving home for her family where her children and grandchildren shared many treasured memories growing up. Her bright blue-green eyes and radiant smile will forever remain in their minds.
The family gives a very special thanks to all those who cared for her, especially to Marisha Kirby and Mary Ann Harris and her staff with Comfort Care Senior Homes, LLC. We are deeply grateful for their compassion, wisdom, and care.
Memorial services were held at McCoy Funeral Home in Blacksburg on Thursday, Jan. 27, at 12:30 p.m. with Fr. Nick Galanopoulos officiating. The visitation was at 11:30 a.m. A Mercy Meal reception was held at the Inn at Virginia Tech immediately following the interment burial site at Roselawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Mary’s name to Good Samaritan Hospice, NRV, 1160 Moose Drive, Christiansburg, VA 24073. Goodsamhospice.org.
