Obituary: Marianna Johnnides, 55, Founder and Owner of Mamma’s Kitchen and EVOO Marketplace
Alexandria, VA – Marianna Johnnides Ioannou, 55, of Alexandria, VA, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 14, surrounded by her family.
Marianna was born in Nicosia, Cyprus, and became a refugee at only 4 years old after the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974. Marianna attended Waynewood Elementary School and West Potomac High School.
Marianna’s love of food and people were honed in her family’s restaurant growing up. She opened her own successful businesses, Mamma’s Kitchen and EVOO Marketplace, where she developed a loyal customer base for over a decade. Her philosophy was simple: “Cook like you cook at home.”
In a 2016 interview with The Gazette, Marianna said, “I believe in this area,” Johnnides said. “Hybla Valley, why not? This is our home base, it’s where I grew up. I like the small, local community. There’s a sense of familiarity.”
That community is now mourning her untimely passing. Tributes have been pouring in for this beloved neighbor and business owner. VA State Senator Scott Surovell posted on Facebook, “So sad to learn of the passing of Marianna Johnnides who owned Mamma’s Kitchen in Hybla Valley. Marianna went to West Potomac High school, opened her restaurant right when I began my first campaign and was featured in my first mail program. She built a very popular community restaurant and I’m sure she’ll be missed by many people.”
As per Legacy.com, Marianna was predeceased by her parents and is survived by her husband of 25 years, Constantinos Ioannou, and their son, Aristotle; sisters Euripides (Maria) and Christianna (Theodoros d.2021); and nephews in Virginia, Alexandros, Marinos, Constantinos, George, and Elias as well as many nieces and nephews in Cyprus.
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My most sincerest condolences.
My wife and I just learned that Marianna passed. We were some of her first customers when she and Constantine opened the restaurant, and always made it a habit of saying hello to “Mama” whenever we came in. On slow days we talked a bit, and she was a warm and gracious person. We are all lessened by her passing.
Mama was a dear friend. I’ve known her when I met her right as the restaurant opened and became family and invited to a company only Christmas feast. In the beginning. She was a charmer and I went there so often with my neighbors. I moved five years ago to New Mexico, but my one neighbor, Jo Ann went there more regular than I did. Mama was a delightful person and I adore her so much. I was very lucky to also get to know her husband just as well. I was gonna try and get back there in 2026 and see her but that has changed with her death, but I would do intend to get back there and enjoy myself.