In Memory of

Maria

A.

Bourlokas

Obituary for Maria A. Bourlokas

Maria Bourlokas, 67, passed away on Easter Sunday, April 16, 2017 at her home in Ocean Township after her valiant fight with cancer. Her strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, along with the love and prayers of family and friends carried her through a year of grueling treatment. Yet, even throughout her own struggle with cancer, she kept a positive outlook and fought until the end for her family and loved ones. Maria was never a quitter and cancer was no exception.
Maria was born on January 25, 1950 in Kalamata, Greece to Angeliki and Antonios Karidis.
Known for her ease in frequent conversation, possessing the love and trust of your best friend, unbelievable cooking and always looking perfect for any occasion and above all else being by far the most caring, loving mother anyone could ask for. Throughout her life, she maintained a strong demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many, who even now are being changed by her constant nurturing and faith. Her signature gift of love shown through her smile and laughter will never be forgotten.
After immigrating from Kalamata, Greece and working as a beautician, she met her first husband, Vasilios Koutsoubos in Brooklyn, NY. The couple were married in 1975.
Married for 21 years, Maria and Vasilios raised their 2 boys in Ocean, NJ. She faithfully cared for family and friends. Maria shaped her loved ones’ lives by her tireless and loving ways. Her first husband passed away in 1997.
In 2003, Maria married the love of her life and her best friend, Charlie Bourlokas. They shared a love that is rare and a love that few are able to say they had the privilege to find. Together they built her dream home in Ocean, NJ. As their love for one another grew, so did their passion for beautiful landscaping and caring for a home that is filled with family and friends on any given day. Charlie stood by Maria’s side through every step of her battle.
She was predeceased by her husband, Vasilios in 1997; her parents, Angeliki and Antonios Karidis and her sister, Vivian Karidis.
Surviving are her husband, Charlie Bourlokas; sons, Dimitrios Koutsoubos and Antonios Koutsoubos and his wife, Colette; step-daughter, Beth Bourlokas; step-son, Ethan; sisters and brother, Jenny Karakoglou and her husband Charles, Penny Arfanakis and Dimitris Karidis and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and God-children.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit from 4-7 pm Wednesday at the Fiore Funeral Home, 236 Monmouth Road, Oakhurst, Ocean Township. Funeral service 1:30 pm Thursday at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Ocean Township. Burial will follow at St. George Cemetery in Neptune. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to: St. George Greek Orthodox Church (In Memory of Maria Bourlokas), 1033 West Park Avenue, Ocean Township, NJ 07712.