Southbridge: Maria P. (Peters) Dirlam, 87, of Durfee St., passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 19 ^th , in the UMass Memorial Medical Center, University Campus, Worcester, after an illness.

She leaves her husband of 60 years, John B. Dirlam; her brother, John Peters and his wife Rosemary of Mahwah, NJ; her sister-in-law, Kathryn Peters of Southbridge; her brother-in-law, Peter Dirlam and his wife Joan of Southbridge; her nephew, Eliot Peters of Southbridge; and her niece, Susan Peters of West Roxbury.  She also leaves her housekeeper and close friend, Debbie Robidoux. She was predeceased by her brother, Petro Peters and her sister-in-law, Mary Dirlam Freedman.  She was born in Southbridge the daughter of Elias and Stella (Heras) Peters.  Maria graduated from the former Mary E. Wells High School in Southbridge and she was a graduate of Worcester Junior College.

Maria was a Product Manager for the JI Morris Co. in Southbridge for 12 years, retiring many years ago.  In her younger years she worked at McLellan's in Southbridge.  She was a lifelong member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Southbridge. Maria was a former president of the Harrington Hospital Auxiliary. She & husband John contributed a jade collection to the Worcester Art Museum.  Maria was an avid accomplished golfer.  She was a member and former club champion of Cohasse Country Club in Southbridge.  She was also a member of the Key Biscayne Country Club outside of Miami, FL and a member of Woods Hole Country Club on Cape Cod.  She participated in golf tournaments all across the state of Massachusetts.  Maria also enjoyed playing tennis and was an avid fan of pro tennis.  She was an extensive world traveler with her husband and their favorite trips were to Australia and New Zealand.  She was an amazing cook and loved to host large parties.

Her family would like to thank Jennifer MacFarlane from Visiting Angels for all the care and compassion she gave to Maria and her husband.

Her funeral will be held on Thursday, Oct. 27 ^th , from the Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, with a service at 11:00am in St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 55 North St., Southbridge.  Burial will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Southbridge.  Calling hours in the funeral home will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 26 ^th , from 4:00 to 6:00pm.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. George Greek Orthodox Church, P.O. Box 25, Southbridge, MA 01550.