Julia (Marusiodis) Tsakalas

Julia “Julie” Tsakalas

On September 11, 2023,
Eldest Daughter of the late Isidoros and Olga (Avgoustidis) Marusiodis.
Devoted Wife of the late Andrew Tsakalas.
Sister of the late Evangeline Soulikas (George).
Mother of Rose Drosinos (Steven), Steve Tsakalas (Dina)
the late Andrew Tsakalas and
Olga Garrish (Bob)
Grandmother to Dimi (Semone), Andrew, John(Amber), Julie (Chris) Stephanie (Sotiri), Anthony, Andrew (Jessica), Anna, Christina, Stephen, Sarah, Great-Grandmother to Elaina, Steven, Marina, Alayla, Persephone, Sofia, George, Steven Kaden, and Andy III as well as many nieces, nephews and godchildren whom she loved dearly.
Julie will be remembered most for her kindness, compassion, and always putting others before herself. Her devotion to her family and grandchildren was unwavering.
She loved bringing a smile to everyone’s face. Her wit was sharp! And you knew she liked you if she teased you or gave you a good wack on the arm!
She excelled as a student and upon graduating high school she went straight to work at City Hospital as secretary to the then superintendent to help her father support their family. She met her husband Andy at a wedding. They hit it off and married in August of 1950. In the early years of their married life she would take in typing to bring in extra money while raising her babies. When the children were older they opened a small diner which they owned and operated for 38 years. Church was an integral part of their family life. Even as a little girl in Greece the local priest allowed her to help him in the altar.  Service to God and their community were very important to her. Her faith was steadfast and was obvious in how she worked tirelessly in many roles. Wherever there was a need she attempted to fill it. Julie, volunteered in the church office, often covering for the Secretary while she was on vacation. She sang in the choir, baked desserts and prepped food for festivals on top of her already long hours at the diner. She loved being part of Philoptochos, it’s mission and it’s ministry. She never said no when asked no matter who or what. It wasn’t enough to support the church by just writing a check. She not only taught her children and grandchildren how important it was to give of their time and talent, she set the example and without complaint. She and Andy supported both Saint Nicholas and Saint Demetrios working both church’s festivals and being involved in the communities. She would say, “We are one body of Christ”.
During his presidency on the parish council at Saint Nicholas the church was able to pay off their mortgage. They were so excited to be part of that. At a celebration - burning the church’s mortgage was one of the happiest days of their lives. 
In their later years, they spent many weekends driving to Virginia or Pennsylvania in their motor home or relaxing and having fun in Ocean City with the grandchildren. She became used to Andy’s love for a good, looong family drive to escape and de-stress. Family vacation trips were always important to them. No matter where it was, Greece, Canada or Florida, driving or flying they made it a priority to have family time. Even though they forgot Rose at a rest stop at the south of the border on a family vacation to Tarpon Springs and Disney. At least they were barely off the lot when they realized she wasn’t in the back of the station wagon with the rest of the kids.
Julie was also very patriotic as was Andy. Coming to the US through Ellis Island from Chios when she was just a little girl of 3 years, she loved growing up, living and working in America. 
One of Olga’s fondest memories growing up was when they’d drive home from the diner late at night and just before the radio sign off they would sing along with Kate Smith’s God Bless America. Julie would comment how it was fitting to end the day in a song of prayer for our great country. Julie’s heart and empathy were bigger than life itself. Donating a room in Andy’s name at the Philoxenia house was very important to her so that families had a home if they needed one while they were here for treatment at one of the local hospitals. When she began to reside at Stella Maris she was always looking out for her fellow residents offering a smile (or dance) or words of encouragement. Her life’s mission, it seems, was to alleviate any hurt that one may have had. She will be forever in our hearts.  

The family will receive guests at the funeral home on Wednesday, September 13, 2023  from 3 - 8 p.m., where a Trisaghion Service will be held at 6 p.m. A funeral service will be celebrated on Thursday, September 14, 2023 at 12 p.m. at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 520 South Ponca Street, Baltimore, MD 21224. Interment will follow in St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make memorial contributions in Ms. Tsakalas' name to St. Theodore Greek Orthodox Church, 7101 Cipriano Road, Lanham, MD 20706. 

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