Nellie M Cayias

Canella “Nellie” Mamales Cayias, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to all who knew her, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2026, at the age of 99, 4 days before her 100th birthday.

She left this world surrounded by the love of her family, just as she had lived—gracefully, generously, and with quiet strength.

One of eight children born in the spring of 1926 in Magna, Utah, to Vasilios “Bill” Mamales and Ashimo “Asme” Karidis, both from Tripoli, Greece, Nellie grew up during the Great Depression and came of age during World War II. Her first language was Greek. Her family had a farm with several animals and operated a small grocery store in Magna. As a young girl, Nellie acted as store manager.

With characteristic resilience and optimism, Nellie embraced life fully. In 1948, she married James G. Cayias, who served in the US Navy in Puerto Rico. Active in the Greek Orthodox Community of Salt Lake City, together they built a home filled with laughter, hard work, many friends, and unwavering devotion. Their marriage was a living example of love, partnership, and mutual respect.

Nellie was a devoted homemaker who also worked diligently alongside Jim for many years in the family insurance agency started by Jim, the Cayias Insurance Agency on 11th East in Salt Lake City. Jim and Nellie traveled a lot and loved to entertain clients. Nellie turned ordinary moments into cherished memories. Her kitchen was the heart of the home, where she baked delicious Greek food, her specialty being baklava and koulouria. She told stories of her childhood, and offered wisdom wrapped in gentle and dry humor. She had a special gift for making everyone feel seen and valued. Whether she was sewing, making ceramics, or simply sitting visiting with friends or relatives, Nellie radiated a calm and quiet joy that touched everyone around her.

Nellie is survived by her three children—George (Connie), Charles James (Cyndia), and Dorothy (Michael) Coombs—along with seven grandchildren, Thomas (Alexandra), Demetrius (Samantha), Dimitri (Nina), Zachary, Christopher, Yanni (Nicole), and Jamie (Steve), including three great-grandchildren, Christos, Charles, and Mary, all of whom were the light of her later years. She is also survived by her brother, Sam, and sister, Tessie, including numerous nieces, nephews, and godchildren. Nellie delighted in every family milestone, from Greek weddings and baptisms to the recent births of her great-grandbabies. To her family, she was “Yiayia,” the quiet storyteller and one whose lap was always open and whose heart was always full.

She was preceded in death by 30 years by her husband, Jim, her parents, 2 sisters, and 3 brothers.

Nellie lived her faith quietly but deeply, finding strength in simple acts of kindness and devotion. She taught her family the value of hard work, forgiveness, honesty, directness, and the importance of gathering together. Even in her final years, while quiet, her dry sense of humor remained sharp and her gratitude abundant.

A life spanning nearly a century is a remarkable gift. Nellie witnessed the world change in ways few can imagine—from horse-drawn carriages to smartphones—yet she remained anchored in the timeless things that matter most: family, faith, and love.

Her family will remember her not just for the years she lived, but for the love she gave so freely. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, resilience, and quiet grace that will continue to bloom in the lives of all who knew her.

The family wishes to thank Legacy Village for the compassionate and wonderful care they bestowed on Nellie.

The family has chosen a private funeral. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Salt Lake in her memory.

Nellie Cayias lived beautifully for over 99 years. She is now at rest, reunited with her beloved Jim, and forever cherished in the hearts she touched so deeply.

May her memory be eternal!