MARY SOUVALL

Mary Ypsilantis Souvall 1925 ~ 2009 Mary Ypsilantis Souvall, beloved wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother (Yiayia), sister, aunt, Godmother (Nouna), and loyal friend, fell asleep in the Lord peacefully on November 4, 2009 surrounded by her loving family. Mary was born on October 25, 1925 in Salt Lake City to John Athanasios Ypsilantis and Eugenia Jerefos Ypsilantis. Mary graduated at age 16 from South High School, the Class of '41, and attended the University of Utah. During World War II, she helped the war effort by working at the 18th Replacement Wing. One of the thrilling moments of working there was when she met the actor, Jimmy Stewart, while processing his paperwork for enlistment into the Air Force. She was an active member of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church choir and played basketball and softball on championship teams. A dashing World War II soldier saw Mary at a church dance. Although having never exchanged more than a casual greeting with her, he told his friend "That is the girl I am going to marry!" After a whirlwind courtship of three dates in five days, she said "Yes" to his proposal of marriage. Mary and Peter William Souvall were married on August 31, 1947 at Holy Trinity. They spent 62 wonderful years together, and Pete often said "NOT LONG ENOUGH." Mary and Pete were gracious hosts to many Christmas Eve and nameday parties where beautiful family memories were made. Mary was an excellent cook, always preparing delicious Greek food and pastries for her family and friends. Mary bowled weekly and loved to play tennis and golf. She enjoyed playing bridge with the same group for 50+ years. They hosted delicious dinners for their husbands' BBOA (Bald Beatles of Acropolis) poker group. Mary loved back massages, purple orchids, beautiful high heels, playing poker, and romantic movies. Mary is survived by her husband, Pete; three children, Jeannie Souvall Paxten (Keath), William Peter Souvall (Kim), Thomas Peter Souvall (Debra); her brother, John Ypsilantis; and nine grandchildren, Kristina Paxten Clark (Rich) of Georgia, Michael Keath Paxten (Dawn) of Texas, Keri Paxten Koons (Bob) of Florida, Jennifer Suzanne Souvall, Coco Souvall Quillen (Justin), Lisa Souvall Armaki (Dan), Peter William Souvall II, Tracy Maren Souvall, and Alexander Thomas Souvall, all of Salt Lake City. She is preceded in death by her father, John, mother, Eugenia, and brother, Tom J. Ypsilantis. Mary made everyone feel like family and always welcomed them into her home. Mary requested that this poem (author unknown) be included in her obituary: "Don't cry at my grave cause I won't be there. I'll be in the breeze that ruffles your hair. I'll be in the sunshine, and I'll be in the snow. I'll be in the places where we use to go. I'll be in your laughter and in the funny things. I'll be in your shadow and there in your dreams. I'll be in your greetings but not your good-byes. I'll be in the reflection of your loving eyes. I'll always be with you, and I'll always care. So don't cry at my graveside cause I won't be there." Special thanks to daughter-in-law Kim who used her nursing skills and instinctive knowledge of Mary's needs, which gave Mary many more years of quality life. Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 9th at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church on 279 South 300 West. Visitation will be on Sunday, November 8th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Holy Trinity with the Trisagion Service at 7:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church Benevolent Fund. Mary will be loved and missed by all! May her memory be eternal!