Peabody - Luz "Maria" Angelakis, 93, a beloved matriarch of the Angelakis and Vazquez families, peacefully passed away on January 11th, 2026 at Melrose Wakefield Hospital surrounded by her children. A longtime resident of Peabody, MA, was predeceased by her husband Peabody Police Sargeant Charles T. Angelakis.

Born on August 1, 1932 in New York City, was the daughter of the late Frank Vazquez of Cuba and Amelia Rivera Vazquez of Puerto Rico. Her Hispanic heritage combined with marrying a Greek, there were many celebratory family get-togethers all the time.

Maria's greatest joy and achievement was her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. As a mother of four, grandmother of five, and great-grandmother of five, she was the heart of the family.

Maria had many monikers she was lovingly called, "Ma", "Yia Yia", "Big Yia Yia", "Luchie", "Titi", "Thea Luchie" and "Aunt Maria". She had a knack for remembering every birthday, anniversary, and important date in her children's, grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's lives, never failing to send a card, make a call or remind others to send a card or make a call.

Her gift for guidance and inspiration touched the lives of her children and countless others, fortunate enough to know her. She was a nurturing parent, mentor to all and embodied the best of qualities: unconditional love, strength of spirit, grace and unending generosity that could be seen in her care for her family.

Maria is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Frank T. Angelakis and Linda Angelakis, and three daughters, 1980 & 1984 US Olympian Jana Angelakis and daughter-in-law, Marilyn Calister, Kara LaFortune and son-in-law, Doug LaFortune, Marla Angelakis-Martinez and son-in-law, Angel Martinez, sister, Adita Vazquez, brother, Dr. Charles Vazquez (deceased), sister-in-law, Catherine Nicolakis, her five devoted grandchildren, Ann Alycia Raisanen, Brianna Angelakis-Palfi, Karissa Ott, Jayson LaFortune, Francesca Luz Angelakis-Martinez, five great-grandchildren, Lyra Raisanen, Trent Raisanen, Kloe Clark, Cooper Ott, Ezra Palfi, nephews Carlos Mora, Theo Nicolakis, Teddy Angelakis, Ted Angelakis, Alex Roldan, nieces, Joni Angelakis-Wood, Maria Gorton, Lisa Vazquez (deceased), Karen Hokenga, Kelly Vanjanyi, Margo Newcomb, Louise Schmidt their spouses and many great and great-great nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held at the Conway Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody, this Friday, January 16th, 2026, from 11am-1:00 p.m. followed by a service in the funeral home at 1:00 p.m. Burial will immediately follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery. An "After Party" luncheon celebration of Maria's life will be held at Ithaki Mediterranean Restaurant located at 1A Newbury Street, Peabody, MA commencing at 3pm. Attendees are welcome to share family stories and memories ensuring that her legacy of love and togetherness continues for generations to come. In lieu of flowers, there are two organizations Maria would prefer donations be made to: Dana Farber Cancer Institute and St. Judes Children's Research Hospital. Links to contribute, directions and online condolences are available on the Conway Cahill-Brodeur website. www.ccbfuneral.com.