Antoinette Annos Sotiriou

Our cherished mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend passed away peacefully in Salt Lake City, Utah, on October 30, 2023, with her family lovingly by her side. She was blessed with 87 wonderful years.

Antoinette was born September 15, 1936, to Nicholas G. Annos and Garifalia Sakelariou in Phoenix, Arizona. Antoinette graduated from North High School in 1954. After graduating high school, Antoinette attended Phoenix College. 

After completing her coursework at Phoenix College, she worked for a brief time in Phoenix. It was there she met Gus C. Sotiriou through mutual friends. They married on September 20, 1964, in Phoenix, Arizona, and moved to Salt Lake City. Together they raised two children, Elena Cynthia and Christopher Gus.

While in Utah, Antoinette was a dedicated public servant who worked for three Attorneys General before entering the private sector to work as a legal secretary. She later returned to government work serving Governor Norman H. Bangerter and subsequently worked for the Utah Division of Public Utilities and finally the Utah State Archives. She retired in 2001.

Throughout her life, Antoinette proudly honored Greek Orthodoxy, and her Greek culture and heritage, as a devout parishioner of the Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Salt Lake. Antoinette enjoyed attending church and especially loved the Holy Week services. She also loved volunteering her time and talent in helping with the Greek Festival, Christmas, and Easter celebrations by making Greek pastries for these venerated events. 

Antoinette was an active member in many charitable organizations within her church, most notably, The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society where she made many life-long friends. She also belonged to the Salt Lake Rotary Club for many years. 

Antoinette lived life with great fervor and had an exuberant personality. Her greatest joy was being around people, each of whom, along with her family, gave her reason for living. Antoinette delighted in spending time with her granddaughter, Anastasia, because of the strong resemblance that Anastasia exemplified of her look, style, flare, fire, and sense of femininity.

Described by many as being beautiful, elegant, classy, graceful, fashionable, strong, sweet, composed, and dignified, she had a debonair appearance and brought joy to those who knew her. Antoinette was also known to be a strong-willed, outspoken, spirited, woman, who was unafraid of confrontation, and who valued justice, fairness, and doing the right thing. 

Known for her impeccable decorum, Antoinette is often remembered for her elegant and welcoming dinner parties. She loved to cook and entertain for her many friends and family. Whether she was attending a costume party or a formal dinner, she was always on point with her style and presentation. She truly cherished her time spent with her relatives in Phoenix particularly her sisters, nephews, and nieces with whom she dragged on endless shopping excursions but was always sure to reward them with a home-cooked Greek meal and pastries.

Antoinette was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Elena Cynthia Sotiriou; her brother, George N. Annos; her mother and father; her sister, Pauline Dru; Gus C. Sotiriou; her brothers-in-law, James N. Floor, Tommie Sotiriou, and Stanley J. Dru; her sister-in-law Margo Sotiriou; and her niece Karen Dru. 

Antoinette’s departure leaves behind her heartbroken family including her son Christopher Gus Sotiriou, her daughter in law Katherine Peters-Sotiriou; her cherished grandchildren, Constantine (17), Vasilios (14), and Anastasia Elena (4); her sister Mary Floor; her brother-in-law Leo C. Sotiriou (Cynthia Sotiriou); her many nieces and nephews; and legions of friends in both Phoenix and Salt Lake, all of whom will miss her dearly. 

Antoinette’s family expresses their utmost praise and gratitude to those who provided her with kind, loving, merciful, and compassionate care during her last few months. These include the wonderful caregivers and resolute staff from St. Mark’s Hospital, The University of Utah Hospital, Valeo Home Health and Hospice, Bristol Hospice, and Capitol Hill Assisted Living and Memory Care. 

We appreciate their help in navigating the complex world of terminal illness and end-of-life care in addition to providing a place of respite that was comfortable, dignified, and peaceful. Finally, we thank all who expressed to Antoinette their love, kindness, support, and compassion. 

You will be missed, dearly, Antoinette. Thank you for being a wonderful mother, family member, and friend. Importantly, thank you for showing us why we need our mom. May your memory be eternal, your love be everlasting, and your light shine into the ages. 

A viewing will be held in honor of Antoinette on Sunday, November 5, 2023, from 5:00-7:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Millcreek, Utah. The Trisagion will begin at 6:00 PM.

Funeral services will be Monday, November 6, at 11:00 AM 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. Online condolences: https://www.starksfuneral.com/obituaries. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, 279 South 300 West, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84101.