Mary Tsakakis Zakis

My mother was born in Superior, Wyoming to first generation Greek immigrant parents James Nick and Athena Kotsifakis Tsakakis. She was raised in Reliance, Wyoming and graduated from Reliance High School in 1944.

While in high school, she worked at the Union Pacific Store for two years. After graduation, she worked at the United Mine Workers office.

In 1959 she moved to Salt Lake City and began working as an Administrative Assistant at the University of Utah. Shortly after she retired she moved to Olympia, Washington in 2000 to be closer to her family.

My mother enjoyed taking care of her home, painting, crocheting, and raising flowers. Her greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren, Clinton J (Cj) and Shane Bowman, whom she never declined to spend time with as they grew. My mom spoiled everyone who visited her. She never thought ill of anyone and always gave others the of benefit of the doubt. She was a good cook and no one left her home hungry. She was a devoted daughter, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, who spent decades taking care of others. Through no fault or wish of her own, she ended up divorced after close to 25 years of marriage.

Mom was raised in the Greek Orthodox faith and was very spiritual, believing in the goodness of others and treating others with respect. She loved to celebrate Easter and Christmas by fixing elaborate meals, baking Greek delicacies and inviting friends and family over for dinner. We will always remember laughing and playing cards late into the night at her home. Her favorite magician was Neil Diamond, taking time off from work to stand in line for tickets.

My mother was quiet, fiercely independent, Greek strong, a lifetime Democrat, and brilliant. She quickly learned to use a personal computer and began cruising the Internet. She sent a lot of emails! Her claim to fame is for a patent for "Removal of Cut Hair Vacuum" which she obtained in 1976.

She is survived by her only child, Janie (Clinton R) Bowman of Olympia, WA; two grandchildren, Cj (Jaimie) Bowman of Arlington, WA and Shane Bowman, of Redmond, WA.  She has two great-grandchildren, Peyton James and Jace Alexander Bowman of Granite Falls, WA. She has 5 nieces and one nephew: Mary Evans, Athena Adams, Antonia Lianos, Christine Chakakis, Manolia Margaris, and Anthony James Tsakakis, Jr. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers and sisters-in-law:  Nicholas James Chakakis (Clara) and Anthony James Tsakakis, Sr (Olga).

She loved and appreciated the cards and Greek pastries sent her way, and always shared with others. Visits from family and friends were a special treat, bringing her beautiful smiles and special memories. Bill Stockich and Linda Moore were the only friends Mom had left in Utah, so she was able to touch base with things of interest there.

She was lovingly cared for in three adult family homes since 2015. We want to thank Ramel Dizon, RN who first welcomed her to his home. Jeanette Dizon, who bravely and diligently took care of mom by keeping her safe at the beginning of the pandemic, and Evelyn Carbonel, for their professional and loving care.

Mom spent the last five years under the care of Evelyn Carbonel of Carbonel's Family home, where "home" was like family. Many family members there provided loving care for my mother for which we are eternally grateful. My mom always loved dogs, and Zick, the Australian Shepherd who was often at the home, doted on her and spent time under her bed.

We are thankful for her provider, Julia Carderon, ARNP. who visited often and was always available when needed.

Mom will rest peacefully next to her mother and father at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park in Salt Lake City, Utah. At her request, there will be no service or formal Celebration of Life. She wishes for her family and friends to remember her by spending time with each other and loving one another.

My mother was a gift to me. I learned so much from her. I told her every day and will continue to tell her forever, "I love you, Mom."