Marianthe passed peacefully on Friday, May 16th, 2025, at the age of 88 with her loving daughters by her side. Born October 15th, 1936, Marianthe Christina Kappakas was the firstborn child to parents Evangelos & Mary (Maravel) Kappakas of Brooklyn, NY. She is survived by younger sisters Elaine Kappakas and Joan Jones of Brooklyn, NY, and is predeceased by her parents and her brothers, James and George.

Marianthe is also survived by daughters Chrysanthe Longman (the late Andrew) of Easton, PA, and Alexa Tarby (husband Bruce) of Pittstown, NJ; grandchildren Trevor Longman (fiancé Anna Long) of Portland, OR, Melissa Giuliano (husband Ben) of Bethlehem, PA, Nicholas Longman of Easton, PA, Austin Tarby of Tampa, FL, and Olivia Tarby of Pittstown, NJ. She was a beloved aunt and great aunt to her many nieces and nephews.

Marianthe graduated from Fort Hamilton HS in Bay Ridge, NY and earned a degree in Fashion Illustration & Merchandising from The Fashion Institute of Technology (NY), followed by courses in stage design and modern Greek at the Columbia University School of General Studies. As a young lady, Marianthe worked at Angelo's, her father's beauty shop and also at her Uncle Bill's dress shop (Maravel's), both in Brooklyn. She later became an insurance broker and eventually a realtor, where she owned Marianthe Realty in Guaynabo, PR.

Marianthe was married for 25 years to Anthony Vlahides of Longboat Key, FL, and had two daughters, Chrysanthe and Alexa. They lived in Bogotá, Colombia in the early 60's and in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico from 1969 through the late 80's, of which she had many fond memories. Marianthe returned to Brooklyn in 1986 and lived there until 2024, with her very best friend, Margaret (Margie) Almeida. Marianthe spent her final year at the Bridgeway Senior Care Center in Hillsborough, NJ, where she was very much loved.

Marianthe was a longtime parishioner of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, a prominent Greek Orthodox Church which her father helped found in 1956.

Marianthe was adored by her daughters, grandchildren, cousins, family & friends. She had a vivid social and artistic spirit and was quite influential with those she interacted with. She touched many lives with flair and enthusiasm. A favorite phrase she used often was "I LOVE IT!". Marianthe created impressive artwork and fashion designs from a young age. She had an eye for beauty which was evident in her lovely oil paintings, as she specialized in painting hydrangeas and various flowers using a palette knife.

Marianthe had a great American spirit and loved her country. She absolutely loved being a New Yorker from Brooklyn and proudly celebrated her Greek heritage, which she often fondly talked about.

Marianthe left an impression and made her mark wherever she went. She will definitely be missed.

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If you would like to make a donation in Marianthe's memory, please make a contribution to Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church which her father helped found and was near and dear to her heart.


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Visitation Hours
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
5 PM - 8 PM

Clavin Funeral Home
7722 4th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11209
Complimentary Valet Parking Available


Funeral Service
Thursday, May 22, 2025
12 Noon

Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church
8401 Ridge Blvd.
Brooklyn, NY 11209


Cemetery
The Green-Wood Cemetery
500 25th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11232