Mary Vatsis, our beloved mother, grandmother and aunt passed away in restful sleep at her home in Dallas, Texas on February 8th 2020. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 52 years, John Vatsis; her mother, Efethimia Zaganas , her father Harry Dragatis; along with her brother Nick Dragatis and sisters Patricia Hillas and Kathryn Halamandaris.
Mary is survived by her two loving daughters Joanna Vatsis of Dallas Texas and Sandra Vatsis-Taylor married to Mark Taylor and her loving grandchildren, George M. Taylor, Alexcia J. Taylor and John M Taylor all of Forney Texas. She is also survived by many loving Nieces and Nephews throughout Texas, Utah, California and Wyoming.
Mary was born in Price Utah December 4th 1925. She was the oldest of her siblings. Mary attended High School at St. Mary of the Wasatch. She continued her education, graduating from the College of Eastern Utah with an Associate’s Degree. Education was of the utmost importance to her. She instilled that value in her children and grandchildren. She would often say “better to stay quiet and remain educated than open your mouth and sound uninformed”.
Thru Mary’s lifetime she saw the world change at an exponential rate. From Studebakers to mankind walking on the Moon to technology ever on the universes’ limits, she observed and smiled at such marvels. She saw more in 94 years than some saw in a lifetime. Through it all, Mary was a deep spiritual soul and a devoted Democrat with wisdom and tenacity. She strived to keep the traditions of her religion and her ancestry in unison and alignment with Christ’s teachings. The Greek Orthodox Church was her Rock.
Mary worked as a CSR for brokerage firms in specializing in placement of business insurance in both foreign and domestic companies. Later she became a policy underwriter for almost 50 years for various companies in Utah and Dallas.
Mary traveled the world with her husband and loved talking about her adventures. She loved nothing more than sharing her experiences with her family. She was tradition and she was family. She was adamant about attending all of her grandchildren’s soccer games, softball games and football games. There was no “bigger fan” than YiaYia. The teams would miss her if she ever missed game. Mary had an impeccable eye for style and a persona of grace. As to the mom and grandmother that we all love, she became our “rock” amidst the storm. She never failed to miss birthdays, anniversaries, name days or church holidays. Our love for Mary grew stronger every day. Her connection with others cannot be explained. Her “truths were sincere, and her love was all encompassing. May her Memory Be Eternal.
Funeral service, Friday, February 14, 2020, 11:00 a.m., at the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church. The Trisagion service will also be at the church Friday morning at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be in the Price City Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price, Utah where friends are welcome to share memories of Mary online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net