Maria Kokkinos Partington
Obituary – October 16, 2024
Heaven received an angel, Maria Kokkinos Partington, 84, when she passed away on
Wednesday, October 16, 2024, after a long period of illnesses.
Maria was born into her Greek family on January 30, 1940, in Queens, New York, where
she grew up, worked in her father’s Greek restaurant, and started her own family. She
then served as a Ground Hostess and Greek translator for El Al Israeli Airlines at JFK
International Airport. The family moved to Elgin, Illinois for three years in the late 1960’s
and then moved to Naples, Florida in 1971, where she lived the rest of her life.
In 1975 she earned her Cosmetology license and became a professional hairdresser.
Over her career, she owned and operated three different salons in Naples. First, We 3
Haircrafters, then Artistic Cuts, and finally Design Salon – all at different locations on N.
Tamiami Trail. During that time, she served on the board of directors of the statewide
cosmetology industry association and attended annual conferences to stay abreast of
trends and be the best at her craft. She often participated in holding hairstyling
marathons over the years to support donations to charities for St. Jude Children’s
Research Hospital.
Maria is predeceased by her father, Nickolas Kokkinos; mother, Kereakoula “Kitty”
Kokkinos; brother, James Kokkinos; and former husband, Robert “Bob” Scherer. She is
survived by her husband, Ralph R. Partington, Jr.; her daughter, Renee Scherer Guthrie
(Tom) of Naples; son, Frank Scherer (Chantal) of Naples; daughter, Barbara Scherer of
Winter Park, FL; son, Robert Scherer (Darcel) of Cumming, GA; sister, Anita Kokkinos
Halvatzis, of Queens, NY; her grandchildren, Laurie Dame Schooley (Jason) of Naples;
Justin Obed (Christina) of Estero; Lindsay Obed Mueller (Bill) of York, SC; Nicole
Scherer Tootle (Grant) of Greer, SC; and R.J. Scherer of Alexandria, VA, and great
grandchildren in Naples. As well as stepchildren, Brad R. Partington (Laurie) and
Debbie Lavengin, multiple nephews and their spouses in New York and Pennsylvania,
and numerous step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren in Massachusetts.
A Celebration of Life will take place Saturday, November 2, 2024, starting with a
Memorial Service at Naples Funeral Home, 3107 Davis Blvd., Naples, from 1:00 to 3:00
pm. This will be followed by a celebration gathering from 3:30 to 6:00 pm at South
Street Bar & Grill, 1410 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples. Attendees are invited to wear blue,
Maria’s favorite color.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to St. Jude Children’s Research
Hospital or Avow Hospice of Naples, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105. The
family is extremely grateful for all the care and support Maria received from wonderful
caregivers and the team at Avow Hospice. She is adored and loved by her family and
so many friends. She will be extremely missed. May Maria now rest in peace.
Jill Blankenship
October 18, 2024, 2:24 pm
Our heart goes out to you during this difficult time. We want to express our sympathy and let you know that our thoughts are with you. Your mom is going to be missed.
Jill – Todd – Sean Waldeck
Dave Flower
October 21, 2024, 5:57 pm
Godspeed, Mrs. P. Your lovely daughter Barb is a cherished friend of our FSC gang, and knowing her style, class, and graceful ways leave no doubt that these unique traits came from her Mama. We are praying for comfort for Barb and your family at this time.
Steve & Lynda Gibbins
October 21, 2024, 11:48 pm
Both Lynda and I were so sorry to hear about Maria. She was such and incredible lady, and we shall both cherish the fond memories of laughter that we shared all those many years at Harold’s.
We are both thinking of you all at this time.
Evanne Mines
October 22, 2024, 11:43 am
Maria lived a beautiful life that is reflected in her loving family and friends. I knew her through her daughter Barb (my dear friend!) and know she will be sorely missed. May your family find some peace knowing she is at peace.
Rachel Abiusi
October 22, 2024, 5:50 pm
We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Maria. Please accept our heartfelt condolences during this difficult time as our thoughts are with Barb and the family.
We wish the family strength and peace as you navigate through the days ahead.
– The Avenue Z Family
Henrietta Wehrman
October 26, 2024, 3:08 pm
My deepest condolences to Ralph, Barbara, Rob, Darcel, Frank, Chantal, Justin, and Christina, and all of my friends; Maria’s, Family. As you said; Our Angel is now in Heaven and may she rest in peace. She is loved and will be tremendously missed. Love, Henrietta.
Kathi & John Meo
October 27, 2024, 3:42 am
Frank and Chantal and the whole family:
John and I were so sad to hear of mom’s passing. I know she was a very very special woman and you loved her dearly. She was an extremely accomplished woman and she is at peace now with no more pain. We love you and we are here for you. May God comfort you during this time ❤️ John & Kathi Meo& family
Judy Graves
October 29, 2024, 9:23 pm
Thinking and praying for you all. Maria was a special wonderful woman and will be sorely missed.
Diane Palmer
November 1, 2024, 9:00 pm
I first met Maria when she had Artistic Cuts. I was new to Naples and had lived overseas for many years. Maria was so helpful with her advice and guidance. She was a caring, sympathetic, wise woman who will be greatly missed. My condolences to her family. May she rest in peace.