Eugenia (Cromidas) Kovacs

Eugenia Kovacs, a devoted mother, cherished Yia Yia, beloved sister, treasured friend, and respected member of the York community, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2026, at the age of 80. A longtime resident of York, Maine, Jean touched countless lives through her kindness, strength, generosity, and unwavering love for her family and friends.

Born on October 18, 1945, she was the cherished daughter of the late John and Theodora (Gianopoulos) Cromidas. In 1978, she moved to York, Maine, alongside her husband Frank and their two young sons, where she quickly planted deep roots and built a life centered on family, community, and service.

Jean possessed a lifelong passion for people and a profound respect for the value of hard work. Her dedication shone brightly throughout her career with the school system, where she became a fierce advocate for her colleagues. Her leadership and commitment led her to become a respected union leader with the Maine Education Association, serving with distinction at both the local and state levels.

Later in life, she brought her sharp mind, warmth, integrity, and extensive knowledge of the community into a successful second career in real estate, helping families throughout Southern Maine. She loved connecting people with homes and communities, and her clients often became lifelong friends. Her colleagues at RE/MAX Realty One became an extended family she treasured, and the friendships she built there remained among the greatest blessings of her life.

While she found fulfillment in her professional accomplishments, Jean's greatest joy was always her family. She was a loving and devoted mother, loving and supportive sister but her favorite role was that of Yia Yia. Nothing brought her more happiness than spending time with her grandchildren. Whether cheering from the sidelines at countless sporting events, celebrating milestones big and small, or simply sharing everyday moments together, she was their biggest fan, strongest supporter, and constant source of unconditional love. Her presence in their lives was a gift they will carry with them forever.

Jean believed that family was not limited to those related by blood. She was blessed with many lifelong friendships that became family in every sense of the word. She treasured the friendships with her friends whose lives were enriched by her kindness, loyalty, generosity, and welcoming spirit.

She is survived by her two devoted sons, Michael  and his wife Kristen of Waterford CT, and Nicholas and his wife Amy of South Berwick ME, her beloved grandchildren who were the light of her life Jordan and Anna Kovacs of CT, and Nicholas, John, and Joseph Kovacs of South Berwick Maine , Jeannie as she was lovingly referred to her by her beloved sisters Joan Vitukevich, husband Alan and K. Elaina Keenan and her husband Joe; and an extended family of dear friends who will miss her deeply but will forever carry her love, wisdom, and laughter in their hearts.

Jean will be remembered for her strength, compassion, infectious smile, and remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcome and loved. To her family, she was so much more than a mother or grandmother—she was Yia Yia, the heart of every gathering, the loudest cheer from the sidelines, and a steady source of wisdom, laughter, and unconditional love. She taught by example that kindness, hard work, and generosity were life's greatest gifts. Her legacy lives on in the family she adored, the friendships she nurtured, and the countless lives she touched through a life lived with grace, generosity, and love.

Though she will be deeply missed, the love she gave so freely will continue to live on in all who were fortunate enough to know her.

She will be remembered for her fierce spirit, unwavering faith, and the kindness she shared so freely with everyone she met. Her deep spirituality guided her through life's joys and challenges, inspiring those around her with strength, grace, and compassion. She leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and generosity that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Eugenia (Cromidas) Kovacs, please visit our floral store.