Mary (Manolopoulos) Drivas, 93, beloved wife of 64 years to the late Arthur Drivas, passed away peacefully May 9th at Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers, MA.

Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, she was the youngest of five children of the late Haralampos (Harry) and Anastasia (Tsatsakis) Manolopoulos. Mary graduated from Lowell High School where she was a cheerleader, an experience that shaped her character throughout her life. She was always cheering on her loved ones. Whether it was at her families various restaurants, or her children’s and grandchildren’s sports games, Mary was always there, as their proudest supporter. Not only did she cheer them on, but she supported them by being present, working hard, and lending a hand when needed, to ensure their dreams came true. From 1969-1978 she ran Arthur’s Townhouse in Lawrence, MA alongside her husband. When her son, John opened up Red’s Sandwich shop in Salem MA, she was right there beside him to greet patrons and work the front register. It never mattered how busy they were, she made sure she said hello to everyone- clientele and workers alike. Her friendly disposition was contagious.

Mary was an avid sports fan, especially for the Red Sox and Patriots. She always knew all the players' names and watched almost every game.

She was a talented cook, always offering her spanakopita, pastitsio, and Greek pastries. Some would say food was her love language, she was always insisting to cook for loved ones- there was never any objection. She was fiercely generous, always showering her grandkids with presents and treats, sometimes “sneaking” the grandkids money, and was sure to tell them “don't tell Papou!” She was famous for gifting satchels of gold dollar coins to her grandchildren who would jingle their new change with joy and chant Yiayia.

Mary’s faith and Greek heritage played a vital part in her life as she shared many traditions with her family. She was an active member of St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church along with her husband Arthur.

Her love was unconditional, it never dwindled no matter the circumstance. Even in her older age, as she slowed down- it was visits from her family that would bring a smile to her face. She excelled as a wife, a mother, and finally, as a Yiayia. She was, and always will be, our greatest cheerleader.

Mary is survived by her children, Irene Velonis of Byfield MA; John and his wife, Lisa Drivas of Hampton NH; Ann and her husband George Malatos of Milton MA, and her grandchildren Althea Velonis, AJ Drivas, Cassandra Drivas and her fiancé Ryan Heavey, James and his wife Julia Malatos, and Nicholas and his wife Marguerite Malatos. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews whom she adored.

She is preceded in death by her brothers John, Efthimios (Ted), Charles (Dino) Manolopoulos, her sister Angelike (Kiki) Lekos and her son in law, Arthur Velonis. Donations can be made in her memory to St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church, 7-9 Paleologos St. Peabody MA 01960. Funeral Services were held privately.