Mary Papas Tonge was born on January 5, 1926 and passed away peacefully on May 3, 2016 at 90.  She was one of six children born to Peter and Alexandra Papavasiliou in Joplin, Missouri.

Mary is survived by her children, Frank Aralis, Jim (Bobbie) Aralis, and stepdaughter Shelley Tonge as well as her grandchildren Hilary, Nick (Britni), Matthew, Zachary, Alexander, Taylor and step grandchildren Gavin and Travis. Also she is survived by brothers-in-law Nick Nickolin and William Booras plus cousins and many nieces and nephews.

Mary is predeceased by her first husband Milton Aralis and her husband Danny Tonge, sisters: Ann Wendt, Angeline Booras, and Helen Nickolin and brothers: Speero and Deno Papas

For the first years of her life, Mary lived on the family farm just outside of Joplin. She loved living there with her siblings and fondly remembered those years the rest of her life. Eventually, the family was forced to leave the farm and move to East St. Louis, Illinois. There she graduated from High School in 1945 and worked as a secretary for an additional few years. Mary, along with her entire family, moved to California around 1948. Once there she became an active member of Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Church and its youth group. She loved being a part of the church community, making many life long friends during those years.

Mary married to Milton Aralis in 1951. Initially they lived in Inglewood and later in Torrance California; however, in 1985 they divorced. Moving to Orange County to be close to family she lived on her own for the next few years. Mary met Danny Tonge in 1988. They were married in 1989, eventually settling in Laguna Woods and lived there until Danny's death in 2013.

Mary was a devoted wife and mother she loved being with her friends and family, golfing, oil painting, car clubbing and traveling. She found her greatest joy in her marriage to Danny and seeing her grandchildren grow into wonderful, successful and caring people. May she rest in peace and happiness having led a wonderful and loving life.
The trisagion service will take place on Monday, May 9, 2016 at 7:00 pm, at Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Church in San Juan Capistrano. Funeral services will take place on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at 11:00 am, also at Saint Basil. Please join the family for a Makaria (mercy meal) at the church following the funeral service. After the Makaria we will proceed to El Toro Cemetary for the burial.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests you give a donation in her name to the charity of your choice. Email Condolences to www.ChapmanFuneralDirectors.com. Chapman Funeral Homes, toll free, (855) 628-0447.