Mary Mastoris Mannos

By Sun Advocate

SALT LAKE CITY – Our beloved mother, Yiayia, Theia and cousin, Mary Mastoris Mannos passed into heavenly peace on Monday, June 22, 2015 surrounded by her family after walking on this earth for 94 years. She was born in Salt Lake City on March 8, 1921 to Greek immigrant parents, John C. and Koula Kelperis Mastoris; she was the oldest of three children. She grew up in her beloved Greek town on 500 west and was an active and faithful member of the Greek Orthodox Church. She attended and was graduated from West High School in 1938 and continued to support her alma marter with donations toward student scholarships. She assisted in the support of her family by working at her dad’s restaurant, John’s Cozy Lunch, her uncle’s theatre, the Broadway and Salt Lake City retail stores: Salt Lake Knit, Montgomery Ward, Hughes and The Paris. Mary married her handsome sailor, Spirro J. “Spud” Mannos on April 23, 1944 in a double wedding ceremony with her sister, Sophie and Paul G. Saltas in Salt Lake City at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. Mary and Spud were the proud parents of James S. (Joan Bellows) Denver, CO, John S. (Kelly Farlaino), Sundee (Larry Listello), Salt Lake City, Christine (Terje Kristiansen), San Jose, CA and Sophia, Salt Lake City. Grandchildren, Jason S. Mannos (Melanie), Phoenix, AZ; Patrick J. Mannos (fiance’, Michelle Young), J. D. Listello, and Megan Curtice of Salt Lake City. Great grandchildren, Olivia, Addison and Michael Mannos, Phoenix, AZ. Mary and Spud lived in Price, Ut from December 1966 to March 1987. They made wonderful friends and enjoyed a large, loving and welcoming Greek community; Mary worked as a bookkeeper for Zions First National Bank and the South Eastern Utah Health Department.
Mary was proud of her Greek heritage and inspired her children and grandchildren with a strong sense of faith in the Orthodox religion, Greek culture, and traditions; she loved cooking and sharing all of her Greek food and pastries with all who entered her home. She was a long time member of the Arcadian Ladies Club, the Philoptochos Society and the Daughters of Penelope. Mary was a gentle, generous and honest woman who loved the remarkable achievement of life and all its surroundings, but most importantly she was a strong, dediated loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She taught us by example not to judge others and not to exclude people based on percieved differences. Mom was our resident Pollyanna, always having a positive outlook on life and a smile for every one; she led her life with integrity, honesty, her willingness to speak the truth with love and kindness and a belief that there was good in every person and every situation. She loved unconditionally without expecting anything in return. She put her family first and encouraged those around her to do their best and always support and love each other; she taught us the importance of true, loyal and lasting friendships.
She was predeceased by her parents, brother Chris (1934), her husband (2001) and her beloved sister and best friend Sophie (2010). Survived by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, her much loved nieces, Yvonne, Karen, Joanne, Diane and godson, Chris(Keeko) Georgelas.
The family would like to express their appreciation and thanks to Jamie Roose who cared for Mom with love, respect and compassion; also One Care Hospice, Care Source Hospice and Right at Home.
A viewing will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Trisagion Service at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, June 29, at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 So Highland Dr., Salt Lake City. Funeral will be Tuesday, June 30, at noon at Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church, 5335 So Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah. Interment at Mount Olivet Cemetary, Salt Lake City, UT. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in her memory to Saint Sophia Hellenic Orthodox School, 5341 So. Highland Dr., SLC, UT 84117.
We love you Mom and Yiayia….you will remain in our hearts forever and your beautiful smile will remind us of the life you lived so graciously. May your memory be eternal.