Elsie G. Sefandonakis
“Yiayia”
1923 – 2014
Our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, Elsie G. Sefandonakis passed away on September 20, 2014, in Salt Lake City, Utah, due to complications after a fall. She was 91 years old.
Elsie was born on June 4, 1923 in Rock Springs, Wyoming, to Mike and Helen Sergakis Gaviotis. She was one of five children. She married Gust Sefandonakis on June 25, 1961 in Hania, Greece.
Elsie was an active member of the Greek Orthodox Church, Cretan Juniors, and the Daughters of Minos. In 2011, she had the distinct honor of being named Daughters of Minos’ Mother of the Year. She was an avid sports fan, never missing a Jazz game, a fantastic cook, and enjoyed card games with her friends. Elsie was always focused on everyone else and never complained. She always had a positive outlook and when asked how she was doing, her reply always was, “I’m doing just fine.” She will be sorely missed by all.
Elsie is survived by her son, Jim (Elenie), and her cherished granddaughters Artemis and Chrysoula, her sister Bella Kourtides (Jim), sister-in-laws, Betty Gaviotis, Annie Gaviotis, and brother-and-sister-in-law Sifi (Vaggelio) Sifantonakis, and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Gust, her brothers Gus, Joe, and Pape Gaviotis.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation and thank you to everyone who helped Elsie, including family, friends, and the CareSource Hospice center staff.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 23, 2014, at 11:00 a.m., at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 279 South 300 West. Family and friends may visit at Deseret Mortuary, 36 East 700 South, on Monday, September 22, 2014, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a Triasadion prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Interment, at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 1342 East 500 South following the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Holy Trinity and Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church. Zoe sa sas. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.deseretmortuary.com Funeral Directors: Deseret Mortaury