Diana Kalbouros Mazas' Obituary
Diana Kalbouros Mazas Diana, known to many as Yiayia, passed away on January 31, 2018 at the blessed age of 101. She died peacefully at home leaving behind her loving legacy to her family. Diana led a remarkable life. She was born January 17, 1917, the daughter of Aikaterini and Panos Kalbouros in the small seaside village of Bartholomio, Greece. She spoke of her father often with great admiration for being the town’s lawyer and judge, frequently accepting barter for payment. Diana was the last living sibling of five. When World War ll came, the family was devastated. She survived the war hidden away in the family home where she cared for family members stricken with illnesses. During the war she lost her father, brother, and nephew. Brighter days came when the war ended and Charles Mazas returned from Memphis to his hometown of Bartholomio. Smitten by Diana’s beauty and her family’s prominent reputation, Charles married Diana and the happy couple set off for their new life in the United States. They arrived in Memphis together in 1949. Charles was the founder and owner of Tri-State General Food Supply Company on North Main Street. They soon had two daughters, Anastasia and Catherine, who still reside in Memphis. Diana quickly learned to love her new home and lifestyle in Memphis. She developed a keen business sense in her early years working with her father, which she later applied in managing her affairs for 50 years as a widow. Diana found her second family in the community of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, where she faithfully attended and served for nearly 70 years. She became very active as a member of Philoptochos, the ladies auxiliary. She headed the committee for the annual festival that prepared over 3,000 pieces of the custard filled pastry, Galatoboureko, for nearly 50 years. This was one of her pride and joys. Her greatest joy was raising her two daughters, Anastasia Hogan and Catherine Hatzigeorgiou (Sarantos), and then helping to raise her six grandchildren, Noah Hogan (Elizabeth), Jessica Vickers (Ned), Sophia Bezas (Thomas), Delilah Byabato (Rob), Diana Donato (Dennis), and Charles Hogan (Sarah). Diana went on to have a wonderful life filled with the comfort of friends and the love of her family that followed with 13 great grandchildren. As the matriarch of our family, she will be remembered and cherished always for her abounding love, care, humor, and fiery spirit. She joins her husband, three brothers, sister, and her parents in heaven where she assured us she will continue to look after us.On January 17, the family celebrated Yiayia Diana’s 101st birthday. It was a bittersweet occasion, as it was both a celebration of her life and a farewell. The family will receive friends Friday, February 2 from 10:00-11:30 at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church at 573 N. Highland St., with memorial services following at 11:30. In lieu of flowers, Diana would want donations sent to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.
What’s your fondest memory of Diana?
What’s a lesson you learned from Diana?
Share a story where Diana's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Diana you’ll never forget.
How did Diana make you smile?