Parthena “Bertha” (Afentul) Maragakes, age 97, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. She was born on January 28, 1929 in Canton, Ohio to the late Stavros and Agape Afentul (Beoglos). Bertha “Bert” graduated from Timken Vocational High School in 1947. As one of the old Canton “Carnahan kids” she met her future husband and love of her life, George Maragakes, who later was a proud member of the Marine Corps. She worked for the Navy while George was stationed in Camp LeJeune, N.C. She also worked for the Social Security Administration, when the Administration was in its formative years. When George completed his “tour” in the Marines, he and Bertha returned to Ohio where they built their first home in North Canton and lived there until 1972. Bertha and George were active and dedicated members of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, from its original location through its move to its current home.

Although deeply rooted in Canton and North Canton, they moved to Exton, PA (suburban Philadelphia) when George received a promotion while working for the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. They started new “roots” in Exton, where they became dedicated members of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Lancaster, PA. Bertha’s mother, Agape, made the move with the family to PA and created new memories there while never forgetting their family ties in Canton. Bertha and George remained in Exton until 2014 when they moved to Cincinnati to be closer to their daughter, Helen “Nitsa” and her husband, Mark.

Bertha’s smile, laughter (a LOT of laughter) and forever love of family and friends will always be remembered. We are at peace knowing she is reunited with George in Heaven and free from the earthly worries that all mothers and grandmothers have. She was a wonderful daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, “Nouna” (Godmother), and of course, Yia Yia (grandmother) and great grandmother.

Bertha is survived by her son Steven (Holly) and daughter Helen Maret (Mark); five grandchildren Betsy Silvestri (Jim), Megan, Christina Grelli (Tony), Kim Frase (Patrick); four great-grandchildren, Camden and Holly Silvestri, Brooke, and Cooper Frase along with many nieces, nephews and God-children. She was preceded in death by her parents, Agape and Stavros Afentul; brothers George and Gust Afentul; sister Helen (Afentul) Dimos.

Family and friends will be received at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 4705 Fairhaven Avenue, N. W., in Canton, on Friday, October 23, 2026 from 10 to 11 a.m. Funeral services will begin in the church at 11 a.m., with Rev. Fr. Nicholas Halkias officiating. Internment to follow in Forest Hill Cemetery, 44th St. and Cleveland Ave. N. W.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 4705 Fairhaven Ave. N. W., Canton, Ohio, 44709 and/or Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 64 Hershey Ave., Lancaster, PA 17603

ROSSI (330)492-5830

www.rossifuneralhomeinc.com