Maria Helen Makarov

Maria Helen Makarov passed away peacefully June 4, 2026 at the age of 97.

Maria lived a full and remarkable life. She was born July 8, 1928, in Burgberg, Germany, as Maria Helen Wirnsberger. Her mother was Italian and her father Austrian. She was the middle child of thirteen.

At the age of three, her family moved to the village of Rennweg, Austria, to be near her father’s relatives. The family did not have much, and Maria often said they relied on imagination and storytelling for entertainment. She considered herself a dreamer and developed a lifelong love of stories.

Maria was deeply influenced especially by her mother, who largely raised the children while her father worked as a brick mason. She also cherished the guidance of her communion godmother, with whom she spent much time as a child. Another pivotal influence came at age 12, when she met a language professor who taught her English in exchange for housework.

At 18, Maria sought employment at a resort near Lake Wörthersee, where she met George Makarov, the man that she would marry. George, displaced by the upheaval in Eastern Europe, was without citizenship at the time. Later, George’s father, a civil engineer working for the U.S. government, sponsored Maria, George, and their young son Peter to immigrate to the United States. The family waited six years in a transition camp in Villach, Austria, for passage to the United States.

In March 1957, Maria, George, and nine-year-old Peter crossed the Atlantic on a U.S. Navy troop carrier, settling in Detroit, where they proudly became U.S. citizens. Maria worked caring for the elderly while George was employed as a draftsman. Determined to master English, Maria attended classes and took pride in being an excellent student. She became a voracious reader, with interests ranging from novels and crime stories to philosophy and psychology.

Maria’s creative spirit shone through her love of music, design, and art. She developed her talent in sketching and watercolor painting. She was also an excellent cook and baker, delighting family and friends with her meals and specialties.

When George passed away in 1987, Maria began working in retail. She later met John Ricoldson, her devoted companion of ten years. Through John, she gained a second family, and became especially close with Janet Missini and bonus grandchildren, Gabriella Miscioscia (Giacomo) and son Giovanni and Juliana Foss (Michael) and daughter Sophia. Janet lovingly cared for Maria during her final months.

After John’s death in 2001, Maria moved to a condo in West Bloomfield at the age of 73, and later relocated to Plymouth, Michigan.

Maria is survived by her son Peter (Susan); grandchildren Charles (Bree), Alexander (Christina), Andrea Kujala (Eric), Kirsten and Peter; and great-grandchildren Maria, Trevor (Gabriella), Alexis, and George Makarov, and Gracie and Abby Kujala. She also leaves behind granddaughter-in-law Brenda Makarov, and great-great-grandson Baker Makarov. In Europe, she is survived by her siblings Siegfried, Stefanie, and Engelbert and many nieces and nephews.

Maria’s long life was marked by resilience, creativity, and a deep love of family and friendships. She will be remembered for her warmth, her stories, her artistry, and the meals and memories that she shared.

A memorial service will be held July 18, 2026 at 11 a.m. at:

Schrader-Howell Funeral Home,

280 South Main St, Plymouth, MI 48170

The family requests no flowers, please.