WEBSTER – Mary Baxter passed away peacefully on Friday, August 4, 2023 at the age of 101. She was born Mary Athena Pappas on October 25, 1921 in Webster, the daughter of Alex and Christina (Shimo) Pappas and lived in Webster most of her life.
Mary attended Bartlett High School and worked in her father’s market after graduation. At the close of World War II, she married Tom Buchka. They had two sons, Thomas S. Jr. and Robert. Tom changed the family name to Baxter in 1958. Mary continued to work in her family market for years and also assisted her husband in his nightclub business.
Mary’s main passion was her family, cooking and homemaking. She sewed, knitted, crocheted, kept an immaculate house, and was an excellent cook. She was always willing to try new recipes but was probably best remembered for her Greek pita, cornmeal pie and Greek cookies.
For 18 years she and Tom moved annually between Webster and Florida.
Mary had 3 brothers, Vasil, Peter and Charles Pappas and a sister Olga Pappas who preceded her in death as well as her husband of 70 years Thomas and her older son Tom, Jr. “Butch.”
She is survived by her son Robert and his wife Lucy of Lake George, NY.
There are no calling hours. Donations in her name may be made to Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, PO Box 713, Webster, MA 01570. Arrangements are under the direction of Sitkowski, Malboeuf & Hickey Funeral Home, 340 School Street.