Jenny Pappas Skedros
8/3/1936 ~ 10/26/2007
Jenny Pappas Skedros (Mama-Yeetsa), wife, mother, grandmother and friend of many, passed away on October 26th from complications related to septic shock. She was 71 years old and a resident of Bountiful, Utah.
Jenny was born in Phoenix, Arizona on August 3rd, 1936 to John and Katina Pappas, immigrants from central Greece. The oldest of three children she excelled scholastically and was very involved in school and church leadership positions. She went on to attend Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona, then graduated with a BS degree in Speech and English from the University of Utah in 1959. In 1955 her life forever changed with her introduction to the dashing Gregory Skedros of Salt Lake City. They were married in 1957 in Phoenix, Arizona then moved to Salt Lake City. Jenny fulfilled her teaching certificate requirement at Bountiful High School not knowing she would eventually become a Bountiful resident for 46 years. In 1961 she moved her young family to Bountiful when Gregory opened Mountain View Pharmacy. As a young mother in a foreign city, Jenny concentrated her efforts on her five children. In 1977, Jenny and Gregory started the Mandarin Restaurant in Bountiful, Utah. Jenny's tireless efforts and support of
Gregory are all that kept the Mandarin going in the early days. Their commitment and hands on approach is now legendary in one of the most highly acclaimed family run restaurants in Utah.
"Life happens while you are doing other things." This quotation, prominently displayed on Jenny's refrigerator in her own writing, truly describes the essence of her being. Life happened wherever she was. When others were preparing for bed, Jenny was just kicking into high-gear -- always reading, always inquiring, always challenging. She was up for anything. No event was mundane especially where her children and grandchildren were involved. Jenny will be best remembered for her strength of will, attention to detail and overwhelming love of her family. A true matriarch, she influenced our daily lives with her ever present "suggestions" on life, raising children and social responsibility. Good was never good enough. Perfection was expected and demanded from all of us. Her opinions were plainly known and reinforced. Family traditions were of paramount importance and kept alive by her insistence. She truly was the family's driving force, an ever pervasive influence in our daily routines. What now Mama?
A strong and committed Orthodox Christian, Jenny was very involved with the Greek Orthodox Community of Salt Lake City. With Gregory she initiated the Greek Festival in 1976 to become the Salt Lake City community event that it is today. Jenny has also been the motivating force behind the 'Taste of Greece', a charitable event that has captivated the Greek community of Salt Lake for the last three years. Jenny was known for her powerful and demanding personality, tireless drive, creativity, and strong opinions. Parish General Assemblies will never be the same.
Jenny is survived by her husband, Gregory J. Skedros, sister-in-law Ange Pappas, brother-in-law
Constantine Skedros, son Taki (Demetrios) and daughter-in-law Georgette, son John and daughter-in-law Maria, daughter Katina and son-in-law David Temme, and daughter Angel and son-in-law Paul Manfredini. She is also survived by eight nieces and nephews, Angela and Phil Kithas, Nia and Tim Reganis, Jim and Stephanie Skedros of Boston, Cindy Skedros, Kathy and Bill Petsas of Phoenix, Jacque and Chris Petrulakis of Phoenix, Dena and Christos Economopoulos of Phoenix and John Pappas of Washington D.C.; Cousins: Harriet Chotras, John Chotras and Jim Chotras, all of Phoenix; and numerous cousins in Greece. Her endless delight are nine grandchildren: Gregory Jr., Katerina, Jenny, Sophia, Kora, Jack, Alex, Angelina, and Athan. Jenny was preceded in death by her parents, son Anthony of Bountiful, Utah; and brothers, Alex and Thomas
Pappas of Phoenix, Arizona.
Funeral services will be held Fri. November 2nd, 2007 at 11 a.m. at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral on 300 West and 300 South, Salt Lake City. Viewing will also be held at the same location, on Thurs. November 1st, 2007 between 6 and 8 p.m. Trisagion service at 7:30 p.m. Interment, Mt Olivet Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the Skedros family would appreciate donations to the Anthony G. Skedros Memorial Fund, c/o Hellenic Heritage Campaign, 279 S. 300 W., Salt Lake City, Utah 84101. Online condolences at www.larkinmortuary.com