Maria Metcalf (nee Kakouris), 78, of Merritt Island, soared to the Heavens aboard the Atlas V Rocket on the evening of September 16, 2014.

Maria was born in Zeigler, Illinois to Nickolas and Irene Kakouris on October 14, 1935, and was the youngest of seven children. Maria graduated from Waukegan Township High School in 1952. Shortly after graduation, she met George R. “Dick” Metcalf, who soon became her husband of 50 years in December of 1953 until his passing in 2003.

Maria was a space pioneer, working in the aerospace industry for over 40 years. She held many positions and worked for several companies throughout her career such as General Dynamics, Convair, Northrop, North American Aviation, North American Rockwell, Lockheed-Martin, and United Space Alliance. She retired in 2001.

After her retirement Maria loved spending time with Dick, nurturing her plants, bird watching out of her kitchen window, and spending quality time with her family.

Maria is preceded in death by her husband George R. “Dick” Metcalf, her parents, Nickolas and Irene Kakouris; and her four brothers, George, Gus, Johnny, and Themistocles “Babe”.

She is survived by her children, Cynthia (Todd) Hintz of Merritt Island, FL and John Metcalf of Santee, CA; her precious grandchildren Monica (Kris) Harlow of El Cajon, CA, Todd (Kristen) Hintz of Wellington, FL, Stacey (Cody) Gordon of Merritt Island, FL, and Michael Metcalf (USN) of Santee, CA; her two sisters, Evagelia Loughran of San Bernardino, CA and Alena Richie of Encinitas, CA; several nieces and nephews, and her furry grandbabies, Bandit, Lucky, and Tug Boat, whom she loved dearly.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made “In Memory of Maria Metcalf” to any of the following organizations that have impacted our family, or to the charity of your choice.

Ronald McDonald House of Gainesville

1600 SW 14th Street

Gainesville, FL 32608

Mayo Clinic Cardiovascular Research

Donate online at: https://philanthropy.mayoclinic.org/donate

Make Donation to Cardiovascular Research in memory of Maria Metcalf

The ALS Association – Florida Chapter

3242 Parkside Center Circle

Tampa, FL 33619

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to NHC Home Care, Brevard (Wuesthoff) Hospice, her caring nurses Stacey Owen, Susan Safranek, Candy Kitzmiller, Sheri Hull, and Rhonda Horne for their comforting and loving support to Maria and her family during her illness.

A “Celebration of Life” will be held on Sunday, September 28, 2014 from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Merritt Island Moose Lodge. Please feel free to bring a note of a special time or memory with Maria for her family to share together.