Her grandmother, was herself an illegitimate daughter of Robert, King of Naples, who was initially set to marry the Prince of Morea before breaking the engagement off.

It is not known whether or not Maria's and Niketa's mother were the same mistress, or if their father's affairs took place before or during his marriage to Voisava.

[5] His parents, Maramonte di Maramonti and Isabella Antoglietta were married in 1352, when his mother brought as dowry the town of Matino.

After the death of her husband, Kostandin Balsha in 1402 and the capture of the city of Krujë by Niketa in 1403, Helena Thopia and her son took refuge with Maria and her family.

[10] She had been appointed by their father as Lady of Krujë in her own right, but her reign encountered constant attacks and conflicts by their half-brother Niketa, who eventually took control of the city.