Jennifer Politakis

Our beautiful Jennifer Furgis Politakis passed away surrounded by loved ones on January 7, 2014 after suffering a stroke due to untreated high blood pressure. She was born August 31, 1957, the daughter of Ellen Vidalakis Furgis and George C. Furgis. Survived by siblings Karen, Chris and George Furgis, their spouses, one niece and three nephews; Goddaughter Alexandra Debow; many cousins, uncles, and aunts.
Jennifer, nicknamed “Jupy” as a child by her older sister Karen, graduated from East High School and the University of Utah. She was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. Jen’s twenty-three year career with Wells Fargo Bank began in 1990 after marrying Steve Politakis, who took her to Seattle. She was promoted over the years to Senior Relationship Manager, and in 2009, to Vice President and Principal Relationship Manager in the South Puget Sound area. Jen was recognized nationally as one of Wells Fargo’s elite. She considered Wells Fargo colleagues and clients family.
Jennifer’s sense of humor was unsurpassed. She was recognized by her resonating voice and laughter. Her home was a focal point for hospitality, enrichment and fun. Jen was not merely the life of the party, she was the party. A Greek gourmet cook, her kitchen and dining room could be mistaken for a five-star restaurant. Jennifer could chop and toss her trademark salad for one hundred people without disturbing her perfectly manicured nails.
It is not an understatement to say that Jen was a living saint. Anyone who met her was intoxicated by her love. She was warm, kind, generous and fair. To know Jen was to know a true Christian. Despite her righteousness, she did have her vices: martinis, merlot, skinny vanilla lattes from Starbucks, Blackjack on vacation, an occasional cigarette, movie-watching marathons, manicures, “Law & Order” and younger men.
Jennifer’s giving nature led her to become a board member of DAWN (Domestic Abuse Women’s Network). She was a primary mover in establishing a safe haven for abused women in Seattle. She hosted numerous fundraisers for DAWN, the American Cancer Society, and other charities.
She adored her three Chihuahuas, Koukla, Ollie and Solo. She had an especially close relationship with her nephew Michael Furgis, who frequently visited and shared her love for animals. She enjoyed her close friends in Salt Lake and Seattle: Roxanne, Judi, Linda, Susan, Yvonne, Brenda, Jana, Loren, Renee, Ken, Antoinette, Tony, Drew, Angela and Sarah, to name a few. Special thanks to the doctors, nurses, and social workers at Harborview Medical Center for their heroic efforts. Also, thanks to Aunt Carrie Fugett and sister Karen for their assistance at the hospital and “little Judi J” who stood vigil by Jupy’s bedside until her passing. Gratitude to Reg Ecker, Director Deseret Mortuary, for his extraordinary efforts to bring Jennifer home from Seattle.
Funeral services Monday, January 13, 11:00 a.m., Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 279 S. 300 W., Salt Lake City. Viewing Sunday, January 12, 6:00—8:00 p.m. Trisagion 7:00 p.m. at Deseret Mortuary, 36 E. 700 S. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Domestic Abuse Women’s Network in Seattle, WA. Condolences may be sent to family and friends at www.deseretmortuary.com. Funeral Directors: Deseret Mortuary