Maria Damalas

Maria (Tsigaras) Damalas, 98, of Manchester, peacefully passed away on Friday, December 19, 2025 at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack.

Maria was born in Elassona, Greece, on February 27, 1927, the daughter of the late Thomas and Eleni (Argeriou) Tsigaras. She came to this country in her early 20’s after living through World War II. She worked for her aunt and uncle at G&M Bakery and later at the Pandora Mills until her retirement. She shared her skills by teaching fellow employees the art of sweater making.

Maria was a devoted member of St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral and volunteered for many years at the annual Glendi Festival. She will be lovingly remembered for her Greek pastries and pita.

To many she was simply “Yiayia” and was known for welcoming and embracing everyone she met. She was an avid knitter, crocheter, and found great joy in cooking, gardening, and caring for her family. She knew everyone’s favorite dish, and no one ever left hungry. She was a loving, kind, and generous woman who will be deeply missed by all.

Family members include her son, Nicholas Damalas and his wife Karen; two grandsons, Gregory Damalas (Liz) and Michael Damalas (Kelly); great grandchildren, Oliver and Penelope; cousins Georgia Sousa and Sally Argeriou as well as several nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her husband Soterios “Ted” Damalas, cousin Milton Argeriou, brother James Tsigaras and sister Chrissoula Xras.

A calling hour will take place on Tuesday, December 30th from 9:00 am to 10:00 am at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral with a funeral service to follow at 10:00 AM. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery. Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Manchester, is in charge of arrangements. The family requests no flowers but donations may be made in her memory to Home Health and Hospice at hhhc.org/make-a-gift/donation/ or St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral at www.stgeorgenh.org/donate/. For more information or to view an online memorial, go to www.phaneuf.net.