Maria Michalopoulos Laveris

Maria Michalopoulos Laveris passed away on October 24, 2026 in Stamford, Connecticut. Born December 28, 1928, in Athens, Greece, she was the daughter of Calliope Raymondos Michalopoulos and Nicholas Basil Michalopoulos. Her mother was born in Constantinople, Turkey and her father in Kalamata, Greece, and they met in Athens, where Maria was born and raised.

Maria attended The Salvanou School of Athens for her primary education, and Marasleion School for secondary school, graduating in 1946. She received a strong foundation in the Classics, including Ancient Greek and Latin. During her school years, she also attended the French Academy and the Music Academy, where she learned to play the piano. Maria lived in Athens through the German occupation of Greece during World War II and the Greek Civil War that followed. In the aftermath of these difficult years, she came to the United States with her parents to continue her education.

The family settled in Stamford, Connecticut, where Maria met her future husband, Nicholas H. Laveris. Before their marriage, Nicholas served as an officer in the Korean War and then went on to attend and graduate from the College of William & Mary, in Williamsburg, Virginia. Maria pursued her passion for fashion design at Parsons School of Design in New York City, where she received a full scholarship. While a student at Parsons, she had the opportunity to learn from and interact with renowned designers such as Norman Norell and Claire McCardell, through the school’s famed Designer-Critic Program.

Her talent was recognized early in her career. As a senior at Parsons, her award-winning designs were purchased by Mr. Andrew Goodman, the President of Bergdorf Goodman, which were later reproduced for sale at the Fifth Avenue store. Maria received publicity for her awards in the New York Herald Tribune. At graduation, Maria was a candidate for the Fontana Scholarship, a three-month course of apprenticeship at the House of Fontana in Rome, Italy. Through Andrew Goodman, Maria received her first job as an Assistant Designer at Rossino & Angela in New York City. She later worked as an Assistant Designer with Pauline Trigere on Seventh Avenue. Eventually, she returned to Parsons as a faculty member in the Fashion Department.

Maria and Nicholas married and went on to raise their family, Paul, Maria Elena and Nicholas A. Their family life took them to Alexandria, Virginia, then overseas to Hong Kong and Singapore for ten years. While in Hong Kong, Maria designed her first fashion line; the garments were sold at fund raising fashion shows for the American Consulate. In Singapore, she created additional fashions that were sold at fund raising events for the American Women’s Association. During their years in Asia, Maria also became a passionate bridge player (one of many pastimes).

When the family returned to Stamford, Maria resumed her teaching career at Parsons, where she remained a full-time faculty member for another 30 years. She taught Draping Concepts and, in addition, served as the Fashion Department’s Museum Coordinator, teaching her Museum course at the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

Maria taught and inspired hundreds of students, many of whom went on to become well-known names in fashion. She was deeply admired and loved by students and colleagues; leaving a lasting impression on so many.

After retiring, Maria pursued her interests in classical music, opera, ballet and theatre. She traveled worldwide with her family throughout their years in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia and continued to enjoy returning to Greece regularly. She also revisited Hong Kong and Singapore over the years.

Above all, Maria’s greatest joy was her family. Her children and grandchildren were her most treasured gifts, and she took immense pride in them. Maria was a devout member of The Greek Orthodox Church of the Archangels in Stamford for 80 years. She was an active member of the Ladies Philoptochos Society. Her deep faith, dedication to her church, love for her family and friends, and unwavering optimism, guided her throughout her life. She was loving and gracious and her beautiful spirit touched everyone who knew her; She shared her warmth and kindness with all.

Maria is survived by her children, Paul, Maria and Nicholas, her daughter-in-law, Denice, and her grandchildren, Nico and Iakovo. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and godchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Nicholas; her parents, Calliope and Nicholas Michalopoulos; her sister Kiriaki; and her granddaughter, Gabriella.

Visitation will be held at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902, on Sunday, November 1, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. A funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 2, 2026 at the Archangels Greek Orthodox Church, 1527 Bedford St., Stamford, CT. Interment will immediately follow the service take at Fairfield Memorial Park, 230 Oaklawn Avenue, Stamford, CT 06905.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to the Archangels Greek Orthodox Church, 1527 Bedford St, Stamford, Connecticut, 06905.

To leave online condolences, please visit www.cogmetta.com.