Marianna Stavrakas

Marianna Barbara Stavrakas, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2025 in Park Ridge, IL at 94. Marianna was born June 11, 1930, in Chicago to Catherine and Ricardo Cortez, who predeceased her.  She lived a long and fulfilling life, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness and dedication to her family, friends and church.

Marianna cherished her 69-year marriage to Steve Stavrakas.  They traveled frequently together and with friends to places like Australia, Canada, Europe and New York.  You could often find them on a Windstar Cruise.  They regularly visited their children and grandchildren in AZ and CO.  All rules were sidelined when Grandma visited!

Marianna was the loving mother of two children, Steve (Cheryl) and Cathy, and a beloved grandmother to Kent, (Taylor) Alexis, Grant and Madi. The grandkids called her Grandma Go-Go or Yia Yia. She loved to spend time with her grandkids, baking cookies, playing games and ensuring they knew how to set a dinner table correctly! 

Marianna received her bachelor’s at NIU in DeKalb, IL, and a master's at UNC in Greeley, CO.  She began her career as a P.E. Teacher and cheerleading coach.  She later became a language arts teacher at Blackhawk Junior High in Bensenville, IL. She retired after 32 years, and she continued to hear from students about how much her teaching helped them.  As a lifelong educator, she devoted her life to helping others.

Marianna loved entertaining, baking, seeing Broadway shows, playing cards with friends and following the Royal family. She rarely had company or arrived as a guest without her favorite “7-up Cake.” Once, in honor of her and Steve’s anniversary, she baked enough treats for the church coffee hour. Marianna will also be remembered for her sweet tooth, quick wit, and warm hugs. 

The visitation will be Saturday, July 19 at Park Ridge Presbyterian Church, 1300 W. Crescent Avenue from 9:15-10am. A memorial service will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Shriner's Hospital, an organization close to both Marianna and Steves’ hearts. 

She will be missed most of all by some of her closest friends, Neiman Marcus, Marshall Field’s and Lord and Taylor.