Maria Laina Dragon

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her journey began—a journey that touched countless lives with boundless warmth, kindness, and unforgettable love.

With heavy hearts and deep gratitude, we remember and celebrate the extraordinary life of Maria Laina Dragon, affectionately known to many as “Yia Yia.” Maria was born on November 1, 1966, in Fort Lauderdale, where her journey began—a journey that touched countless lives with boundless warmth, kindness, and unforgettable love. She departed this life in Plantation, Florida, on July 1, 2026, after bravely and relentlessly fighting multiple sclerosis, displaying more courage than anyone could ever ask for. She was, in every way, a true warrior.

Maria’s life was rooted in family, devoted wholeheartedly to those she loved. Predeceased by her cherished parents, Chris and Cally Politis, Maria carried forward their legacy with grace and resilience. She was the beloved wife of Scott Dragon, with whom she built a home filled with laughter, mutual respect, and deep affection. As a mother, Maria shone most brightly—her three sons, Marco, Christopher, and Nicholas Zeno, were her greatest pride, and she poured every ounce of her heart into nurturing and guiding them. Her brother, Jimmy Politis, sister-in-law, Tina, and beautiful niece Taylor survives her, carrying forward the sibling bond that sustained her through life’s challenges and joys.

Maria’s legacy only deepened as she became “Yia Yia” to her six adored grandchildren: Noah, Jade, Niko, Theo, Jack, and Zoey. The joy she felt for each of them was evident in her gentle embrace, kind words, and loving presence—a grandmother whose warmth will echo through generations. Maria was also survived by her beautiful daughter-in-law‘s Maria, Megan and Lacey who provided her with the most beautiful grandchildren ever!

Maria was a proud graduate of Plantation High School and, later, dedicated over a decade to her work at the courthouse. But perhaps her most cherished occupational role was as a nanny to Buster Brown, Tommy, Little A, and Jordan Peter. The impact of her loving care extended far beyond her family, weaving threads of kindness across every life she touched.

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Maria carried forward their legacy with grace and resilience.

To know Maria was to know kindness, inner beauty, and boundless compassion. Those closest to her will always remember her as a loving soul whose greatest accomplishment was raising her family and creating a legacy grounded in generosity and unwavering love.

A visitation to honor Maria’s memory will be held on July 9, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at T. M. Ralph Plantation Funeral Home, located at 7001 NW 4th St, Plantation, FL. A Mass will take place at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, at 820 NE 14th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL. Maria will be laid to rest at Lauderdale Memorial Park, 2001 SW 4th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315.

Maria Laina Dragon—Yia Yia—leaves behind a legacy built on love, fortitude, and selfless devotion. Though she is no longer with us, the mark she has left on her family, friends, and all who knew her will endure, lighting our hearts with the memory of her beautiful spirit.