Joanne Marianos Samaras' Obituary
Joanne Marianos Samaras - age 90 (November 2, 1934 - June 4, 2025)
Joanne M Samaras, of Carrollton, TX, was called home by Our Lord on June 4, 2025, after courageously living with vascular dementia for several years. She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Dr John T Samaras; her siblings (Andrew W Marianos, Pete Marianos, and Maria Reisman); her niece (Deborah Clemons); and her parents (William P Marianos and Mersine Mercedes Skoufoglou Marianos). Joanne leaves behind her son (Thomas W Samaras) and daughter-in-law (Debby Maxey Samaras); her daughter (Dr Maria K Samaras) and son-in-law (Michael T Dominguez); four grandchildren (Trent W Samaras, Audrey E Samaras, Ismael J Dominguez, and Mateo F Dominguez); several nieces and a nephew; and numerous great nieces and nephews.
Born in Henryetta, Oklahoma, to Greek immigrants, Joanne was the third of four children. She graduated salutatorian at Henryetta High School, received her Bachelor of Science from Oklahoma A&M College (Oklahoma State University) where she was a member of Mortar Board and Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, and earned a Master’s from the University of Iowa.
Joanne was employed as a Licensed Registered Dietitian in Oklahoma and Texas. She enjoyed great satisfaction with her career, and was awarded a Lifetime Registered Dietitian distinction.
Joanne met John in Oklahoma City, after he noticed her at church and asked a close friend to set him up with her. They were married in the Greek Orthodox Church in Oklahoma City on June 11, 1961. They had just celebrated 62 years of marriage at the time of John’s death on July 1, 2023.
Joanne was proud of her Greek heritage, and was active in her faith and church by being a Godparent to many individuals, through her participation in Philoptochos, attending Bible Study classes at Holy Trinity, serving on several church committees, and helping with annual Greek Food Festivals in Oklahoma City and Dallas.
Joanne and John adopted their two children, and provided Tom and Maria with many growth opportunities including sports, music, scouts, dance, academics, church youth group activities, and travel. Joanne loved her family, and was selfless in her support of their dreams and ambitions.
Joanne modeled determination, kindness, humility, grace, and health throughout her life, in so many ways. She was a positive influence to her family and relatives, and cherished her friendships from church, neighbors, sorority sisters, and Coppell YMCA where she and John attended. She gifted people with her knowledge of nutrition and love for cooking, curiosity and creativity, and closeness of family.
Joanne was equally joyful for Trent, Audrey, Ismael, and Mateo. Her cooking, thoughtful phone calls and notes, and happiness seeing her grandchildren’s accomplishments will be remembered.
Those who knew Joanne experienced her sweet and gentle disposition. Not one to draw attention to herself, she would inquire about others with genuine curiosity and enjoy conversations with her characteristic signs of pleasure and giggle. She made a point to include others, and let people know she was thinking about them.
Joanne will be remembered as being hardworking, thoughtful, selfless, an advocate of health and education, committed, a wonderful wife and mother, a dependable friend, proud of her roots, and building a strong and positive legacy for her children and grandchildren. She truly was the wind beneath our wings.
The visitation will be held on Friday, July 18th at 6:00PM at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 13555 Hillcrest Rd, Dallas, TX 75240, where the funeral service will also be held the next day, Saturday, July 19th at 12:00 noon. Interment Restland Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations in Joanne M Samaras’ name be made to The Alzheimer’s Foundation at https://www.alz.org/
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