It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we share the passing of our beloved Mama, Yiayia and Thea, Thalia Mantas Matragos on February 24, 2022. We lost the most precious, loving and selfless matriarch of our family. She passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her children.
Thalia Mantas Matragos was born on August 16, 1924 in Levidi, Greece, the oldest of five children born to John Harry Mantas and Gianoula Karelas Mantas. She immigrated to the United States of America in 1947.
She married John Demetri Matragos on December 7, 1947 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Daddy whisked her off her feet and moved her to his home in Longview, Texas, where she became a true “Southern Lady”.
She was preceded in death by her husband on January 13, 1964. At the time of his death, she assumed responsibility of her husband’s business the (Texas & Pacific) T&P Café and Hotel in Longview, Texas. The café had a contract to serve meals to our American soldiers that traveled by troop trains in East Texas. When notified of their planned arrival, Mama took pride to make sure that the tables were set up properly for their meals.
She moved with her children to Salt Lake City, Utah in August 1965 to be with her family. Throughout her life our mama epitomized kindness and selflessness. She was defined by love of her family and the commitment to raising her children with unconditional love, respect, and desire to do what is right.
Mama enjoyed life. Her presence would light up any room with her warm smile, gregarious personality, quick wit and always making those in her life feel special. In addition to family, her passion included her love of God, church, traveling and cooking, especially her homemade spanikopita.
She was a devout member of the Greek Orthodox Church of Salt Lake City. She was a member of Pan-Arcadian Society, Arcadian Ladies, Daughters of Penelope and Philoptochos Greater Salt Lake Chapter.
Mama was a very strong, sweet and compassionate woman who worked very hard her entire life and never complained. We are blessed to have had so many beautiful years of memories with her and for that we thank God. We have learned so much from her and we are thankful to her for instilling in us all of her beautiful strengths, values and beliefs which we will cherish for a lifetime. No matter what challenges she faced throughout her lifetime, she always fought hard and most importantly never gave up. Her resiliency in all that she endured through her life is truly inspiring. We thank you Mama with every ounce of our being for giving us your endless love, support, affection and lessons.
She is survived by her children, Jimmy Matragos (Las Vegas, NV), Joanne Matragos, Chris Matragos Sr. (Arlington, TX) and Francine Matragos and grandson, Chris Matragos Jr. (London England). Beloved nephews and nieces include: John (Marjorie) Mantas (Bryn Mawr, PA), Phil Mantas (Philadelphia, PA), George Mantas (Philadelphia, PA), John (Dawn) Vosnos, Rose (Elias) Pylidis, Sandra Vosnos, Pete Vosnos, Chris (Emily) Mantas, JoAnn Contos (CA), Valerie Filias (ME).
She is preceded in death by her parents John and Gianoula Mantas, husband John Demetri Matragos, infant son, John D. Matragos Jr. Beloved siblings, Mary (George) Vosnos, Harry (Aphrodite) Mantas, Pete (Katerina) Mantas, Tony Mantas and nephews John Pete Mantas, M.D. and William Pete Mantas and many members of her extended family and special friends.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, March 3, 2022 at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. with a Trisagion starting at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 4, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 279 South 300 West, Salt Lake City. Interment at Mount Olivet Cemetery 1342 East 500 South, Salt Lake City, UT.
