Maria Ioanna Passalaris, 25

Remembered for Her Resilient and Loving Spirit

March 10, 1999~April 12, 2024

Maria Ioanna Passalaris, 25, of Skillman, NJ, died on Friday, April 12, 2024, in a devastating traffic accident on Route 1 and Ridge Road in South Brunswick.

Maria's legacy of resilience, kindness, and unwavering faith will continue to inspire those who knew her. Her spirit will forever live on in the hearts of all who were touched by her presence.

She was born in New York, NY on March 10, 1999.  She attended the Eden School, graduated from the Lakeview School in 2020 with her high school diploma, and was most recently attending an adult day program at the Red Ribbon Academy II in Hillsborough.  

Maria loved attending church services at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Hamilton. She found solace and strength in her faith and was an active participant in church activities, including serving as an honorary member of the church choir.

Maria loved swimming, horseback riding, family, friends, parties, and travel. She was an athlete for Special Olympics, competing in Track and Field events for many years. Maria was a loving and sweet soul who will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved her.

Team Maria was often the largest team at the Jingle All The Way 3K event held annually at the Special Olympics of New Jersey in Lawrenceville. Maria had been recognized as the “most magnetic Special Olympics athlete around.” She had recently participated in the Cupid’s Chase 5K in Princeton.

Maria is survived by her parents, John and Eleni (Demetriou) Passalaris; her paternal grandmother, Jean (Moraitis) Passalaris; her three siblings, Anastasia, Joanna, and Demetrios Passalaris; her uncle, Isidoros Passalaris and wife Millie; her four cousins, Hannah and Demetrios Passalaris, and Sofia and John San Filippo; as well as other family and friends.

Maria was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, James Passalaris; her maternal grandparents, Theodore and Mary Demetriou; and her aunt, Tina Passalaris.

Funeral Arrangements

Family and friends may pay their respects on Saturday, April 20, 2024 from 8 am to 11 am at the St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1200 Klockner Rd., Hamilton, NJ. 

Greek Orthodox services will follow at 11 am.  Burial will be held in the Greenwood Cemetery, Hamilton.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations please be made in Maria’s memory to either the Rett Syndrome Research Trust, 67 Under Cliff Rd., Trumbull, CT 06611 or online at www.reverserett.org or to the International Rett Syndrome Foundation, 4500 Cooper Rd., Suite 204, Cincinnati, OH 45242 or online at www.rettsyndrome.org 

Maria has a tribute page at www.brennacellinifuneralhomes.com.