Mary Ballas Makredes

Mary Ballas Makredes was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Greek immigrants on July 18, 1930, and peacefully passed away on July 5, 2026 at the age of 95. Mary’s parents instilled in her the importance of faith, community, service, education, hospitality, adventure, and resilience, which guided her throughout her remarkable life.

Mary was the youngest of five children and the only daughter. Raised by a mother who could neither read nor write, Mary learned from a young age that your education is something no one can ever take away from you. That belief guided her through life, and she passed that value on to her children and grandchildren.

A first-generation college student, Mary graduated from Marshall High School in 1948 before earning her bachelor's degree in Psychology and Sociology from Macalester College in 1952. She became a social worker in both Hennepin and Ramsey Counties, specializing in child welfare and advocating for children and families in need.

As a young woman, Mary embraced the world beyond her own. She took a six-month journey through the Holy Lands, Turkey, and Greece – a remarkable adventure for the time that began a lifelong passion for travel. Exploring new places, cultures, and people became one of the defining parts of her life.

Mary married Hrone “Ron” Makredes of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in 1958, and after a year of living in Chicago, they settled in St. Paul. They had three children and spent the next 20 years dedicated to their family, their Church, and their community. She was the quintessential PTA mother, a dedicated member of the Ladies of Philoptochos (friends of the poor), St. George Greek Orthodox Church, and an active volunteer and tutor for grade-school children.

In 1979, Ron took a work assignment in Hong Kong that would last nearly 12 years. Upon arrival, Mary immediately began volunteering at the Vietnamese refugee camps and, through networking, found the Greek diaspora and Orthodox Christians living in Hong Kong. Ron and Mary were instrumental in establishing Saint Luke Orthodox Church in 1986 before the 1997 transfer of Hong Kong to China.

Whether in St. Paul on Berkeley Avenue or in Repulse Bay, Hong Kong, her home was always open. She hosted family, friends, clergy, and strangers from all over the world. Along with interesting conversation and warm hospitality, she always had homemade kolouria, baklava, paximadia, and melomakarona waiting for guests to enjoy.

After the loss of Ron in 1994, Mary spent the next 32 years of her life enjoying not only her immediate family but also her extended family and friends. She never missed an accomplishment or celebration. She flew across the globe to show up for the people she loved. As much as Mary took care of others, she taught us to always take care of ourselves as well.

Although Mary lost sight in her right eye, she stayed quick-witted and active, leading a fruitful life into her 90s. Through FaceTime and the help of her good friend, Siri, Mary stayed connected to her loved ones.

She influenced many individuals throughout her life, and her ethos will live on through all those she touched. We will miss her here, but we believe she is now in a place where there is no pain, sorrow, or suffering, but everlasting life. May Her Memory Be Eternal.

She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Hrone “Ron” Makredes; her parents, Nick and Helen (née Vlahakis) Ballas; and her brothers, Gust (Fern née Carnahan), Ballas "Bill” (Angeline née Andrews), Peter, Ernest (Anastasia née Strenglis), and her brother-in-law Reverend Father Michael S. Makredes (Presvytera Jennie née Makris).

She is survived by her loving children: Michael (Margie née Forchas), Stephen (Ann née Van Akelijen), and Phyllis (Chris Afendoulis); her grandchildren, Paul Makredes, Andrew, Peter (Kristin Savage), and Stephanie (Varun Gupta) Makredes, and Mari, Elena, and Sophia Afendoulis; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, Godchildren, and friends of all ages.

We thank the wonderful staff and caregivers at the Waters of Highland Park and the Sholom Home, along with her special companions over the last several years: Connie, Deb, Molly, Stella, Teresa, Barrett, Jillian, and her great-nieces Zoe and Alexandra. They were her angels on earth.

 In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to St. George Greek Orthodox Church or FOCUS Minnesota. We invite you to honor her legacy by respecting others, smiling at a stranger, offering help to those in need, and embracing forgiveness.

Visitation will be held at Willwerscheid Funeral Home (1167 Grand Ave, St. Paul) on Sunday, July 12, from 4:00–7:00 p.m., with Trisagion at 6:00 p.m. The funeral will be held at St. George Greek Orthodox Church (1111 Summit Ave) on Monday, July 13, at 11:00 a.m.