Sophia G. Sly, 88, of Portland, OR, died peacefully at home on September 1, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Sophia was born on August 21, 1935 - the oldest child of George and Konstantina (Lena) Goritsan. She grew up in Portland and summered in her mother’s hometown of Tacoma, WA. Sophia went to Rose City Park Elementary and graduated from Grant High School in 1953, where she joined choir and began her interest in theatre, music, and singing. She attended Willamette University and graduated in 1957 with a BA in Psychology. Then she met the love of her life, Richard Allen Sly.
Sophia and Richard married on September 2, 1961, settling in Sacramento. Sophia worked hard as Richard pursued his law career. Deciding this was not the right place for them, they moved back to Portland. Sophia then began her lifelong career with Oregon’s Children Services, where she touched so many lives and built lasting friendships.
They celebrated 62 years of marriage together and raised three children while being active members of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. She served as a President of the Philoptochos Society and was one of the key founders of the Philo House Thrift shop, a staple in NE Portland for over 20 years.
Sophia was an avid participant and supporter of the arts. She had a knack for making everything beautiful. She valued and nurtured life-long friendships that were as diverse as her interests. She ran a book club for her friends for 20 years. She had an engaged, inquisitive mind and a wicked, dry sense of humor. Sophia is survived by her children Anne-Marie Fardanesh, David and his wife Raejean Sly, Matthew Sly, her 7 grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and her sister Georgia G. George and brother Basil G. Goritsan.
The Trisagion is at 7pm on Sept 7, 2023. The Funeral service will be held at 12pm on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral - 3131 NE Glisan St. A light luncheon will follow at the church. The Burial service will be at 3pm at Skyline Memorial Gardens at 4101 NW Skyline Blvd.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Sophia’s memory may be made to the Youth Ministry at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.skylinememorialgardens.com for the Sly family.
