Mary Daskalakis

Award-winning cook and baker, hardworking, dedicated to those she loved most, incredible hostess, heart and soul of the family and devout Greek Orthodox Christian only skim the surface when describing Mary Peroulis Daskalakis. Mary was a loving wife, mother, yiayia, aunt, friend and so much more. Her grandchildren were the light of her life and they loved her back.

Born on October 5, 1934, in Price, Utah, she left this earth on Sunday, December 31, 2023, in Salt Lake City, Utah, after battling several years of health issues. Even in the face of these challenges, she never lost her feisty approach, sense of humor and will to live.

Mary grew up in Price, Utah and later moved to Craig, Colorado, where she was proud to be a member of the hardworking Peroulis family, who were ranchers and farmers. She was the youngest of four children. Her three brothers watched over her, but also taught her to be tough. She lost her father, Harry, at the age of 12, and that was a heartbreaking moment because she loved him deeply. She kept her father’s spirit alive by sharing stories of his kindness, humor and other qualities. She participated in 4H and was a rodeo queen. Her most clear memory was when singer Lefty Frizell was performing at the Craig Armory and asked her to dance. That moment was the thrill of her life and every year since then, she reminded her family that she danced with a superstar. Hopefully, she’s dancing with him in heaven.

Mary, traveled to Greece to marry the love of her life, Gus, who was an officer in the Greek Army. They married on March 1, 1959, in Rethymnon, Crete. They returned to Craig, Colorado, where they started their family and later moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, where they stayed for the duration.

Mary’s home was a gathering place for people far and wide. Those visitors included family, friends of her three children, neighbors, strangers and everyone else, who stopped by the Daskalakis home. That gathering spot wasn’t the only place she fed and entertained a revolving door of people. Mary and her husband Gus, opened Dask’s Greek To Me in Salt Lake City. Customers, far and wide, couldn’t say enough about the quality of her food. Her employees, to this day, rave about the lessons they learned from her hard work ethic. Her home kitchen was equipped several times over with the winnings from many cooking contests, which included entries into Pillsbury, Campbell’s Soup, and beef competitions. Her sons, Jorge and Bob, have continued her tradition of excellence in cooking and baking through their two restaurants.

Mary was an amazing servant. She was a member of the Philoptochos Society, the philanthropic arm of the Greek Orthodox Church. She also served as Pastry Chair of the Greek Festival.

Mary valued education and learning. She added to her worldly view of life by traveling the world with her husband. Every time they went to Greece, they would pick two to three additional countries to visit.

She loved watching sporting events too. Her favorite football team was the Kansas City Chiefs. Her favorite basketball player was The Greek Freak of the Milwaukee Bucks. She adored the Utah Jazz too.

Mary’s home was filled with everything sheep, the Pillsbury Dough Boy, items collected from her travels, beautiful clothes and photos and art created by her grandchildren. Those items were reminders of a full life. Her last days were painful, but she found time to laugh and share memories from her experiences with those who spent time with her at Spring Gardens in Salt Lake City, where devoted staff helped her live her final days with dignity and respect.

She is survived by her husband, Gus, children, Stella, Jorge (Carolynn), Bob (Christy), grandchildren, Dante, Kristina, Gus, Sam and Niko, sister-in-law, Argie, cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family around the country and world.

Viewing will be held from 10:00 a.m. to Noon on Friday, January 5. Funeral will follow at Noon. Friends and family are invited to the Makaria gathering after the services in the church community hall. The viewing, funeral and gathering will take place at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 279 S. 300 W., Salt Lake City, Utah. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church or Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Interment will take place at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, January 6, at Price City Cemetery, 595 E 400 N, Price, Utah, 84501. Family and friends are invited to attend.