Although I had known Maria for only 5 years after meeting her on the way to work by ferry, we shared many experiences over that relatively short time. From swimming at Drummoyne pool, to a Col Joye or a Platters concert, a flutter on the horses, a drink at Rossini's after work before catching the ferry, shopping for clothes we didn't need at Birkenhead, and many cups of coffee in the local cafes. The colour purple has a whole new meaning for me! I count myself lucky to have had Maria as a friend whose strength in adversity I will always remember and whose friendship I will always value. I will miss her. Elisbeth.

Although I had known Maria for only 5 years after meeting her on the way to work by ferry, we shared many experiences over that relatively short time. From swimming at Drummoyne pool, to a Col Joye or a Platters concert, a flutter on the horses, a drink at Rossini's after work before catching the ferry, shopping for clothes we didn't need at Birkenhead, and many cups of coffee in the local cafes. The colour purple has a whole new meaning for me! I count myself lucky to have had Maria as a friend whose strength in adversity I will always remember and whose friendship I will always value. I will miss her. Elisbeth.

dear maria, i miss you already! you've really been there for me throughout the years and been a great support through a couple of big things in my life. im esp going to miss how passionate you were about everything, how you always told it to me straight, how you always stood up for what you believed even in tough situations, how you were completely and utterly trustworthy and genuinely looked out for people's interests, how i always knew where i stood with you (and that everyone did) because you werent one for gossip .. ever. the list could go on - but even for just those things alone, i cant express how much respect i have for you and how much im going to miss you - especially on ferry rides in and out of work and drives home. although its sad at the moment, i look forward to the day i can sit there remember all the laughs and memories with a smile. im going to miss your stories, your big heart and your massive smile marz. you were a true friend and I'll remember you forever .. every time i see peonie roses or someone wearing a few shades of purple, when im running flat out for the ferry and someone easily out runs me .. by miles, when i drive past your place, every morning when i stand at the ferry wharf etc etc etc. im so grateful for the opportunity to have been friends with you and I'll treasure the friendship forever! i miss you! love dee xxx

I have thought about you many times since I left work 15 months ago and am now full of regrets that I did not act on those thoughts. I am so sorry that I did not know how sick you were. You were a wonderful work colleague, full of vitality and just fantastic at organising our group lunches. You were always so thoughtful at catering for everyone's taste to make sure everyone enjoyed their day. I hope you know how well thought of you were and you will be very sadly missed. You will be in my thoughts and prayers forever. All my love, Karen

Dear Maria, I feel like i didn't get to know you as long as I would have liked, 5 years being far too short in the scheme of things. I thank my job for having met you, for being able to spend most days next to you and for becoming friends. You stood up for me when I wouldn't, you'd advise me when I didn't have a clue and you'd set me straight when I was being ridiculous (as was known to happen on maybe more than one occassion). You told me about your family with obvious love and pride, I couldn't help but love them too. They were so-very lucky to have you, as was I. I will miss you and remember you always.

Our Aunty Maria...was the reminder of our heritage and will be sadly missed. Family gatherings will simply not be the same without you. You will be greatly missed at every family occasion. You have touched every one of us. We will meet again one day and celebrate our Christmas, Greek Easter & special occasions in a more beautiful place... Love your niece Ruth-Marie xxx

Our Aunty Maria...was the reminder of our heritage and will be sadly missed. Family gatherings will simply not be the same without you. You will be greatly missed at every family occasion. You have touched every one of us. We will meet again one day and celebrate our Christmas, Greek Easter & special occasions in a more beautiful place... Love your niece Ruth-Marie xxx

Our Aunty Maria, Always there at every family occasion, always a reminder of our heritage, you will be greatly missed by your family every time we get together. Our gatherings simply will not be the same without you. Life is short and we can only wait for the day when we will all enjoy Christmas, Greek Easter & special birthdays together again in a more beautiful place. Love you always, your niece Ruth-Marie xxx

We had some really good times. I rememer visiting you when you were living at home in Burwood with your mother and then moved to Coogee and then to Drummoyne. We had some good times disco-ing. I used to enjoy coming over for dinner and reminising. I had hoped I would have some more time with you, since I move away life seemed to just go by so fast and now you have been taken away. Thank you for touching my life. I just hope you have gone somewhere where there is much happiness. I will miss you Maria. I have been remembering all sorts of bits and pieces and it has been making me smile and cry. You were a true friend Maria. All my love - Margaret.

To my wonderful Aunty Maria, How does one express in words the gratitude and love for everything you have done to bring joy and laughter to me. My whole life, you were the one that made things possible for me. A lot of my strengths and passions, I have either inherited or emulated, are from you. I understand that life is a short journey, and I am forever grateful that you were there to share and guide a long path of that road with me. I love you so much and always will. They say that death leaves a heartache difficult to heal, but love leaves sweet memories no one can steal. I will never forget you, I now we shall meet again. Love you always your niece Anne xxx

Ruth-Marie

14 years ago

Dear cousin Anne, I am sitting here looking for the SMH notice on Aunty Maria and found your moving tribute. It is so beautiful Anne. I know she will be greatly missed by you and your family especially as I think I understand the bond you had. It is surreal, tragic, unfair but I try to find peace in the fact that she is with loved ones now and in no pain. We WILL all meet again, that I am sure of.. Lots of lots of Love and hugs, Ruth-Marie and family xxx