Yesterday we shared the shocking news that Maria Stephanos was leaving WFXT-TV in Boston. Tonight, Maria gave a very emotional goodbye as she anchored her last newscasts on FOX 25.
Watching Maria say goodbye says everything about her. You can feel and see how genuine she is.
She is beloved not only by her viewers, but by her colleagues as well - many of which have shared their best wishes to Maria on social media.
You can watch Maria's goodbye from the 6pm, 10pm and 11pm newscasts below, and read some thoughts and memories from her co-workers and friends.
"Maria and I go back to our days at Emerson College" FOX 25 investigative reporter Mike Beaudet told New England One. "She was as genuine then as she is today. We jumped in her car to go cover a rally in Washington, DC and ended up visiting the White House. She's always marched to the beat of her own drummer and that's why she's so successful and why I know her star will continue to shine brightly, whatever she decides to pursue." Mike also shared this photo of them at The White House.
FOX 25 reporter Joy Lim Nakrin told New England One that "She was a strong leader passionately dedicated to covering stories that affect our community. She poured her soul into the job she loved."
"Always had fun co anchoring with her at Fox 25" WJAR-TV anchor Dan Jaehnig told New England One. "She's great. I admire her passion for news and for life. What you see on the air is truly Maria! We never missed an opportunity to joke on each other. I heard she wants to come back to NBC10 to work with me. No official confirmation. Lol!"
On Twitter and Facebook, the support is loud and clear as well.
"There is so much I can say about my Dear Friend, Maria Stephanos" says FOX 25 reporter Bob Ward on Facebook. "I am happy and sad at the same time. She is the best. Not just as a co-worker, but far more importantly, as a friend. Maria wouldn't be Maria if she wasn't forging her own path in this world. I will miss her shining personality, her intense curiosity, her infectious laugh. But I won't miss her friendship, because that will never end. GOOD LUCK MARIA!!!!!"
FOX 25 political reporter Sharman Sacchetti said on Facebook "I will miss Maria for many things, but especially her sense of humor! You have a bright future ahead!"
"After nearly 18 years at the helm of the station on the biggest stories in Boston, Maria is leaving us" said FOX 25 anchor Heather Hegedus on Facebook. "She is more than our main anchor here, she is the matriarch of our Fox 25 family. She has also been a mentor and a personal friend to me, and it's been a true privilege to work alongside her for 5 years. Please join me in wishing her well in her next chapter. Maria, you know how much you'll be missed!"
"I can tell you, but you probably already know, Maria is one of the hardest working, most dedicated and passionate women in this business. (And owns the greatest collection of boots) I can't wait to hear what's in store for her" said FOX 25 morning anchor Sara Underwood on Facebook. "Help me wish her a lovely farewell as she embarks on a new adventure. We will miss you friend."
Meteorologist Sarah Wroblewski said on Facebook that Maria "can make anyone laugh, smile, cry, be serious, composed... she is a leader, role model and the best in the business. It was a privilege to work along side her and learn from her. She will be missed and I'm sure do amazing things in the future. Thank you Maria for being you and good luck in your next adventure."
Here are some more reactions from Twitter:
Anchor desk fun with @mariastephanos, never a dull moment! #finalnight pic.twitter.com/YevXtdVG5J
— Mark OckerbloomFox25 (@ocktalks) September 11, 2015
Too many memories to count with @mariastephanos, too many smiles too! #ThrowBackThursday pic.twitter.com/cJ0knLWYyV
— Mark OckerbloomFox25 (@ocktalks) September 11, 2015
You welcomed me with open arms @mariastephanos Thanks for everything and for being you! #FOX25 @fox25news pic.twitter.com/I79BUkMJqg
— Daniel Miller (@Daniel_Miller8) September 12, 2015
Sneaking in a selfie with @mariastephanos on her final night at #Fox25 News pic.twitter.com/3JJEjEC9fJ
— Bill Sheerin (@AssignGuy) September 11, 2015
An amazing woman, leader & anchor is signing off of #Fox25 tonight. We'll miss you @mariastephanos! https://t.co/hihqkyN8ZG
— Sarah Wroblewski (@sarahwroblewski) September 11, 2015
@mariastephanos There are few top shelf people in this biz but you have always been our dom perignon. All the best ?? pic.twitter.com/sHWJxOGngI
— Bob Murdock (@FOX25photog) September 11, 2015
End of era in Bos TV. @mariastephanos one of best anchors this city has ever seen leaving Fox25
— Joe Battenfeld (@joebattenfeld) September 10, 2015
Thank you @mariastephanos for supporting me & always tearing my work apart to make me better and stronger. Love you! pic.twitter.com/atqXPR0Ucw
— Siobhan Lopez (@SLopezNH1) September 10, 2015
If you look up Class Act in the dictionary, you'll see this picture @mariastephanos pic.twitter.com/1PDn58cHfz
— Mike Saccone (@mikesacconetv) September 10, 2015
Thank you @mariastephanos for making me a better journalist, and for upping my #selfie game. You will be missed! pic.twitter.com/bOVOuaHJEZ
— Tim Martin (@TMar15) September 10, 2015
Class Act all the way. @mariastephanos you will be missed pic.twitter.com/5StJkYnfVW
— Crystal Haynes (@crystalhaynes) September 10, 2015
@mariastephanos no one better #thankyou pic.twitter.com/skhEgTt3ir
— KEN DONNELLY (@Fox25KEN) September 12, 2015
I watched you every night when I was little & the last 4 months I got to learn from the best. Thanks @mariastephanos! pic.twitter.com/vWxArSa9uN
— Matthew Leighton (@MLeighton_) September 12, 2015
@mariastephanos I am so glad I had the chance to work with you! Best of luck with everything! xoxo
— -Marlena- (@marlena978) September 12, 2015
Wishing you the very best on your next amazing chapter -@mariastephanos #ClassAct
— Cheryl Fiandaca (@CherylFiandaca) September 12, 2015
@fox25news at 11...What a beautiful way to end a beautiful 18 yrs. All the best @mariastephanos. We'll miss you dearly. #GodBless
— Erica Ricci (@EricaRicciFOX25) September 12, 2015
@mariastephanos & @ocktalks #Fox25 #luvmaria pic.twitter.com/OoxPtjBbts
— Bill Sheerin (@AssignGuy) September 12, 2015
Good luck to @mariastephanos!!! Total class act. Best wishes in your next chapter!!
— Amanda Howes (@WBZNewsAmanda) September 12, 2015
So much love for you!!! Cheers to you and your next chapter! https://t.co/0Ysuj0G01r
— susantran (@susantran) September 12, 2015
@mariastephanos Best luck in everything the future holds Maria. You're a rockstar...no doubt you'll succeed in whatever is next.
— Eric Fisher (@ericfisher) September 12, 2015
@mariastephanos Maria - well done. Best of luck in all you do!
— Paula Ebben (@PaulaEbbenWBZ) September 12, 2015
Wishing @mariastephanos the very best as she does her last broadcast tonight. Huge loss for that station. #nhpolitics #notwatchinganymore
— Scott P. Brown (@SenScottBrown) September 11, 2015
Goodbye & good luck to one of the best @mariastephanos! I will miss your bright face & laugh, thanks for the memories pic.twitter.com/66gfY8mZdo
— Lucy Bergemann (@lucybergemann) September 12, 2015
Wishing Boston's Finest, @mariastephanos, all the best! Thanks for being so good to me as a budding journalist! pic.twitter.com/uFsnObA9kZ
— Nick Coit (@NickCoit) September 12, 2015
Goodbyes are no fun, but I'm so fortunate to have worked with and known the incredible woman that is @mariastephanos pic.twitter.com/UfaTk4WaAD
— Meg Nowik (@megnowik) September 12, 2015
Thank you @mariastephanos for welcoming me back home to #Boston with open arms. It was a privilege to have you toss to me every night.
— Kerry Kavanaugh (@KerryKavanaugh) September 11, 2015
Best of luck to @mariastephanos ! You're a true professional..someone all aspiring journalists should look up to!
— Ashley Baylor WAVY (@Ash_Baylor) September 11, 2015
@mariastephanos Best of luck on your future endeavors! We'll miss you on the tube.
— Matt Schwartz (@MattFoxCT) September 11, 2015
Respect @mariastephanos for your contributions #willbemissed Band of brothers and sisters!
— Anthony Everett (@anthonyeverett) September 11, 2015
@mariastephanos What a lovely send off and well deserved! Wishing you all the best...
— Kimberly Bookman (@KimberlyBookman) September 12, 2015
Sad to hear you are leaving FOX25 @mariastephanos! I'm lucky to have learned from you back in my intern days. Best of luck for the future!
— Mary Cate Mannion (@MaryCateMannion) September 11, 2015
@mariastephanos Best of luck from all of your friends at NPD! Looking forward to what the future holds.
— Norwood Police (@NorwoodPolice) September 11, 2015
Last day working with my good friend @mariastephanos - best of luck with whatever comes next! pic.twitter.com/f2GGV5jbEo
— Mike Finnerty (@mikefinnerty) September 11, 2015
@mariastephanos Good luck, Maria! Everyone in Boston & here in #NH will miss you. Thx for always being a fine journalist to look up to!
— Tyler Dumont (@NH1_Tyler) September 11, 2015
@mariastephanos well done. Looking forward to see what's next!
— Perry Russom (@PerryRussom) September 12, 2015
We wish Maria nothing but the very best, and cannot wait to share with you whatever her future will bring.