Mary Lionakis Nichols passed away peacefully on January 15, 2017 surrounded by family.   Mary was born on June 16, 1922 in Helper, Utah to Greek immigrants Peter and Andriani (Protopappas) Lionakis.  The oldest of five children, Mary attended Carbon High School, graduating in 1942.  After the death of her father the family moved to Price, Utah.   Mary began working at Dugway Proving Grounds, Utah, which is where she met SGT Harry (Nick) Nichols Jr.  She and Nick were married on December 30, 1952 and started a partnership that would last almost 63 years.  During their marriage they had seven children.

Mary and the children followed her husband all over the world, living on military bases in the United States, Okinawa Japan, France and Germany.  The many places they were stationed were marked by the birthplaces of their seven children.  Steve was born in Salt Lake City, Utah; George in Colorado Springs, Colorado; Pete in Price, Utah; Jim in Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas; John in Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas; Ann in Okinawa, Japan; and Mike in Huntsville, Alabama.  Fitting a family of nine in military housing was not easy.  The typical three bedrooms one bath house made for very close quarters.   Somehow, though, Mary was always able to make it all work.

In the early years, raising her children was Mary's number one priority.  She supported them in their various school and sports activities. She was their biggest cheerleader.  She enjoyed sewing and crafts, creating beautiful items in which she took great pride.  Throughout Mary's life she was honored for her involvement in her community. While living in Heidelberg, Germany, Mary was chosen as Military Wife of the Year, an honor of which she was extremely proud. She also served as NCO Wives Club President in 1972 (non-commissioned officers). Nick's last military posting was in Southern California. He and Mary decided it was time to settle down and bought a home in La Palma in 1976. Shortly thereafter they became members of Saint John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church. Mary was proud of her Greek heritage; believed the Church was the cornerstone of the family and community; and felt strongly about the youth being involved.  During her 40 years of active participation she was a GOYA advisor and GOYA Basketball Representative, receiving Awards in 1984, 1988, and 1991.  In 2001, on the 40th Anniversary of the Church, Mary was acknowledged for her many years of commitment and devotion.  The award she was proudest of, however, was when she was honored by the Church as Mother of the Year in 2007.  Mary was also involved in the Cretan Club, Daughters of Penelope, and the women's Philoptochos Society. Each year the Church counted on Mary to organize the dying of red eggs for Easter.  Mary's family was everything to her.  As her family expanded she welcomed them with open arms. Steve married Debi in 1977.  They have two sons, Jared and Brad.   George married Diana in 1996.   They have two daughters, Paulina and Victoria. George has two children from a previous marriage, George Jr. (Krista) and Kristen.   Pete has one son, Erick.  Jim married Joyce in 1990.  They have two sons, Harrison and Joseph. John married Marianne in 1987.  They have three sons, Nicholas, Alexander, and Dylan. Nick and Mary's two youngest children are Ann and Mike.  Last year Mary was blessed with her first great-granddaughter, Madison.

Mary was predeceased by Nick in 2015. She is survived by her brother John and sister-in-law Rose Lionakis and her sister-in-law Iva Lionakis.  She is also survived by her sons Steve (Debi), George (Diana), Pete, Jim (Joyce), John (Marianne), daughter Ann (Niko) and son Michael; grandchildren Jared, Brad, George (Krista), Kristen, Paulina, Victoria, Erick, Harrison, Joseph, Nicholas, Alexander, and Dylan; and great granddaughter Madison. The Trisagion service will be held on at 7 pm on Sunday, January 22, 2017. The funeral service will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, January 23, 2017. Both services will be held at Saint John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, 405 N. Dale Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92801.  Mary will be interred at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Cypress.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Saint John Church General Fund.

Arrangements under the direction of Chapman Funeral Homes - Terry & Mary Harmon, Funeral Directors. Toll free (855) 628-0447.

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Obituary notice for Chapman Funeral Homes. Please visit www.chapmanfuneraldirectors.com .

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