Mary F. Strates

Mary F. Strates, a proud Greek woman, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2026, at the age of 77.

Mary was born on June 15, 1949, at Hialeah Hospital in Hialeah, Florida. From the very beginning, her Greek heritage and faith were an important part of who she was. She was baptized at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church in Miami, a connection to her faith and Greek roots that remained meaningful throughout her life.

Mary devoted much of her life to raising and caring for her family. As a military spouse, she stood beside her family through the years as her children grew, creating a home filled with love, strength, and the traditions that were important to her. Her family was always at the center of her life.

Later in life, Mary worked as a salesperson at Dillard's, where she specialized in selling shoes. She was known for her ability to connect with people and for the warmth and personality she brought to those around her.

Mary was the loving mother of three children: John Thiele, Frank Thiele, and Katherine Casper. She was also a proud grandmother to 10 grandchildren and a great-grandmother to 5 great-grandchildren. Her family was her greatest accomplishment and her greatest source of pride.

Mary remained proudly Greek throughout her life. She carried her heritage, traditions, faith, and love of family with her until the very end. Those who knew her will remember her strength, her personality, her devotion to her family, and the pride she took in being a Greek woman.

Mary leaves behind a family who loved her deeply and whose lives were forever shaped by having her as their mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Though she is no longer with them, her memory, her traditions, and the love she gave her family will continue through the generations.

May her memory be eternal.