Sandra Louise Maras

Sandra Louise Maras, 71, passed away on Wednesday, October 4th, 2023, peacefully in her home in Bush, Louisiana, surrounded by her family.  She was born on Saturday, July 19, 1952 in Rochester, NY.

Sandra graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School. She worked many years at TJ’s Big Boy and for a short time at Eastman Kodak, before moving with her family to Bush, LA where she became a nanny. She was the loving matriarch of her family. She raised five of her own children, two she nannied for, and many others who came into her life throughout the years. Her kind, welcoming, and lovable nature  attracted people into her care. She was the absolute expression of a loving mother, wife, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend. Like her mother, she fed those she cared for without fail every day, until she could no longer. She spoke to her sister daily on the phone and organized family reunions on the beach nearly every year because keeping her family close is what mattered most to her. She was a masterful baker who amazed with her Christmas cookies. She truly enjoyed cooking for others and the only thing that she really asked of others was that they eat! She cared for many adopted animals and donated regularly to the ASPCA. Sandra was a woman of faith who exemplified it in her kind and selfless treatment of others. She showed an amazing capacity to endure hardship while maintaining hope in her final years. Sandra will be deeply missed by her family and all those who knew her care and kindness.

Sandra is survived by her spouse, Thomas Maras; her children, Tony (Wendy) Slavas, Derrick Slavas, Aaron (Madeleine) Maras, Jessica (Aaron) Sissell, and Dylan (Louise) Maras; her sister, Dora Mullens; her grandchildren, Jackson Sissell, Brooke Slavas, Karli Slavas, Wesley Cassidy, and Niko Nolan; great-grandchild, Weston Kuscsik; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded by her 1st husband Anthony Slavas; her parents, Santina Gavens and Otto Gavens; and her brother, Gene Gavens.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Memorial Service and Celebration of Life on Sunday, October 15, 2023, starting at 4 pm at 18447 Three Rivers Rd, Covington, LA 70433.

A final service will be held in Rochester, NY at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, financial contributions may be made to the ASPCA , in memory of Sandra Maras.

Share your thoughts and memories of Sandra in her guestbook by visiting Lnhughes.com.

Arrangements entrusted to LN Hughes Funeral Services of Ponchatoula, Louisiana.