Mary D. Banketas

Mary D. Banketas, 95, of Cordele, Georgia, passed away Monday, July 1, 2013 in the Weirton Medical Center. Born November 13, 1917 in Weirton, she was the daughter of the late Nick and Lemoni Pandelios Damiris. She was also preceded in death by her husband James Banketas in April, 1987, and a grandson, John Patrick Sullivan. Mrs. Banketas was the owner/operator of Mary Ann's Bakery & Restaurant in Fort Pierce, FL. During World War II she served her country in Weirton Steel as a cultural icon of the United States, known as Rosie the Riveter. She will always be remembered for her hard work ethic. She was a member of the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, Macon, GA; a former member of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, in Fort Pierce, FL, and attended the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Weirton, WV, where she was the first person that was baptized at the original All Saints Greek Orthodox Church located in North Weirton. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and the Daughters of Penelope. She is survived by her sons Thomas Banketas and his wife Geraldine of Weirton and George Banketas and his wife Iris of Cordele, GA; daughters Eleanor Schmidt of Jacksonville, FL and Patty Freedman of Fort Pierce, FL; 7 grandchildren including James Banketas and Troy Arango of Weirton; 10 great-grandchildren including Justin Arango of Weirton and three great-great grandchildren. Visitation will be Wednesday 10 AM until time of services at 11 AM at the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, Weirton. Interment will be in White City Cemetery, Fort Pierce, Florida. Share tributes and memories at www.grecohertnick.com