Margo Sotiriou

Margo Sotiriou, beloved sister, aunt, godmother, and friend, peacefully left this world on March 3, 2018.              She passed away in her home in Salt Lake City after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Capturing the extent of Margo’s positive impact on this world in a few short paragraphs is an impossible task. She treasured her family, her religion, and her Greek culture. She dedicated her life to benefiting children and those in her community. Being in her company was truly a gift, and she will be greatly missed.
Margo, the prized girl in a family of boys, was born on September 30, 1936 in Bingham Canyon, Utah, to her overjoyed immigrant parents. Her love for her family and dedication to her community was apparent early in her childhood. She spent her free time outside of school working with her brothers at the family grocery store, helping her mother coordinate the household, and participating in a long list of religious and charitable activities through the Greek Orthodox Church.
Margo was not one to advertise her accomplishments, of which there were many. Similar to her three brothers, Margo was a hard worker who valued education and prioritized the well-being of the less fortunate. The first woman in her family to attend college, Margo worked towards her bachelor’s degree while also helping to care for her father with Alzheimer’s and continuing to work in the family business. She graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor’s degree in Education and later returned to the University of Utah to earn a Master’s degree. Margo enjoyed a 35 year-long career with the Salt Lake City School District teaching children. Upon retirement, Margo joined the Assistance League to “help other people besides just Greeks”.         Within the Greek community, Margo taught Sunday school, sang in the church choir (frequently off key, but with her whole heart), was an active member of the ladies’ auxiliary arm of the church, Philoptochos, and Daughters of Penelope. Margo enjoyed volunteering countless hours for the local Greek Festival. Above all else, Margo deeply cared for those she considered family. She was the primary caretaker of her mother and her brother during their respective battles with Alzheimer’s. She was a godmother to many, and she continually opened her heart and her home to others. Margo united her love for children’s education and her church community as a cofounder of Saint Sophia School along with Elaine Bapis and Vicki Folias. The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America awarded Margo the honorable Medal of St. Paul, which is the highest honor given to a layperson by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
Margo is survived by her “baby” brother Leo Sotiriou and his wife Cynthia, her nephews Christopher (Katie), Alexander, Michael and Stephen Sotiriou, her niece Elysia Sotiriou, and her sister-in­ law Antoinette Sotiriou. She was preceded in death by her father Christ Pappasotiriou, mother Helen Zes Pappasotiriou, brother Gus Christ Sotiriou, brother Tommie Christ Sotiriou, and niece Elena Sotiriou.
The family wishes to extend their sincerest gratitude to all of Margo’s loyal friends, godchildren, colleagues, students, and customers, each of whom she deeply loved and who gave wonderful meaning to her life. We are incredibly grateful to the supportive team of Senior Helpers who helped Margo during her last years with us, and especially Colette Graham. Each of you can attest to Margo’s kindhearted, spunky, compassionate, and sparkling spirit. Many can vouch for how they were touched by the extensive contributions she made to her community. Each moment with Margo was nothing short of a blessing. Her legacy will continue through our fond memories of our time with her. Margo we love you so much!
A viewing will be held on Friday, March 9, 2018, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Deseret Mortuary, 36 East 700 South, Salt Lake City, with a Trisagion (prayer service) at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 279 South 300 West, Salt Lake City with a luncheon to follow. Interment, Mount Olivet Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Margo requested that donations be made to the Holy Trinity Cathedral Restoration Fund, 279 South 300 West, Salt Lake City, Utah 84101, Alzheimer’s disease research or a charity of your choice. Condolences at www.MemorialUtah.com.
Service Information
Viewing March 9, 2018 at 6:00 - 8:00 PM | Trisagion 7:00 PM
Memorial Deseret Mortuary, 36 East 700 South, Salt Lake City, Utah





Funeral Service
March 10, 2018 at 10:30 AM
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 279 South 300 West, Salt Lake City, Utah