Maro Elia died January 14, 2021, surrounded with love, in Jacksonville, Florida.
The funeral service was Thursday, January 21, 2021, at St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church in Jacksonville , Florida.
She was born June 12, 1931 in Trikomo, Cyprus to Sotera (Fella) and Andrea Procopiou. Her parents were owners of a hotel and restaurant
in Trikomo and her father was also the village butcher. Maro lived during the British occupation of Cyprus. She attended British college and graduated with a degree in education. As a teacher she met her husband, Elias N. Elia, also a teacher, at a conference. They instantly fell in love and lived as husband and wife until Elias' death in 2006. She is survived by their three children, Andri Elia, Eleni Elia Derke and Nick Elia. Her son in law, Michael Derke. In 1974 while Maro was with her family in the United States of America to settle her oldest child at University, the Turks invaed her home country. They became refugees overnight. They lost everything, but they had each other and their hard work ethic. Together, Maro and her husband created a wonderful business, Elias' Lounge. They were able to put all their kids through college and they remain their parents' proud legacy.
Maro had a beautiful soprano voice and sang for the choir of Anorthosis in Cyprus and St. Michael's Greek Orthodox Church in Lorain, Ohio, both of which were conducted by her husband. She loved to cook and she will be forever remembered for her hospitality. It didn't matter who knocked on her door, be it an unexpected friend or a salesman, she would invite them into her home to wonderful meal. Her hands were always busy cooking and carrying wonderful dishes to the table.

She helped raise her grandchildren, Elias and Rhea Derke, so that her daughter, Eleni could pursue her legal career. Children and grandchildren alike will be forever grateful for the love, devotion and support Maro provided them. Maro is also survived by her sisters, Loulla (and her husband Takis Argiros) and Ellatha and her brother Constantinos (and his wife Andriani), all of Australia. She was blessed with 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
Donations in her honor may be sent to Hospice of Northeast Florida.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Arlington Park Funeral Home.