Athena (Nola) Georgedes Slager – aka Yiayia
November 15, 1930 - January 7, 2025
Our beloved Yiayia has finally reached the end of her journey on earth and has gone to rejoin her father, mother, brother and her adopted Koulouris/Papoulas family including Poppy (Penelope Koulouris) who was her closest and dearest friend in life.
She was born in Helper Utah on November 15, 1930, to Charles Georgedes, a Greek immigrant and Irene Hatzipanagiotou, a mail order bride from Asia minor. Nola spoke Greek at home and only learned English when she went to school. She told us stories of being bullied walking home being called a dirty Greek, but like many immigrants, Greeks, Italians, Irish – all of which are part of her children and grandchildren’s bloodlines, she and her father had a fire in their bellies. Something intangible that drove them to take risks and accomplish more in this great land that we all cherish. Like other immigrants, she was raised to work hard and achieve more than prior generations. Her mother died when she was only 9 and she was forced to take on more to help her father and her younger brother. She was tough and resilient and to no one’s surprise was up to the task. She went on to get a master’s degree, become a great mother, teacher, and strong community leader.
As anyone who knew her would attest, she had strong views on everything including sports and politics. She loved her Utes, her Jazz and all Utah sports and she was an avid fan until the day she died. We would all expect to get a call from her complaining about the bad refs in the game or the poor play if her team had not performed well. She was also passionate about politics and a staunch Democrat. That said she was not a pushover and would be equally vocal about the policy and legislative agenda of both Democratic and Republican leadership.
Yiaya would call her kids and grandchildren by Greek terms of endearment like Koukla (“little doll”) or Poulaki Mou (“My little Bird”) which they all loved. When we took her to the Jazz games she would lose her cool but mostly swearing in Greek so they would not toss her out of the stadium. Her common refrain when she was not happy with the refs was just simply “Vlaka” (“fool”).
She leaves behind an inspiring legacy of accomplishment and the impact of her life will be felt for generations. Her memory will be eternal through her three children – sons, Chirstopher and Jonathan (Liz), daughter Athena, and six grandchildren, Christopher, Samantha, Kassandra, Nicholas, Melissa, and Athena. She also left a lasting impact on many others including her students, her friends and so many people with whom she interacted in her life. She spent many years of service teaching elementary school, mostly at an inner-city school, Lincoln Elementary, where she felt she was most needed by her students who had limited role models and family support. She was also an active member of the Greek Orthodox church her whole life which she served for as long as she could. She had the role of President of the Philoptochos Society and was named a “Pillar of the Community” by the Salt Lake City Greek Orthodox community for her many years of service. She, along with her lifelong friends Greg and Jenny Skedros led the effort to establish the annual Greek Festival and they worked tirelessly all their lives to continue to improve it. Her grandkids also have profound memories of her home cooked meals.
Her proudest and greatest accomplishments were in her children and grandchildren. She pushed all of her kids and she raised three accomplished children all of whom have masters degrees; her oldest son, Christopher, pursued computer engineering and recently retired from the IRS, her daughter Athena has a flourishing psychology practice and her son Jonathan, who was able to ring the bell on Wall Street as the CEO of a public company. She was a tough but extremely loving parent and her expectations of her kids and grandkids were never more than she expected from herself.
She was fiercely independent and strong, but she gave so much love and dedication to others. She was revered by all as one of the premier cooks in the Greek community but refused to record her recipes. To her credit, she cooked with heart and feel which is pretty hard to quantify. She put her baking skills to work overtime working tirelessly to prepare tens of thousands of pastries each year for the Festival, and then again at Christmas when she would make a variety of Greek pastries and other handmade sweets to give out to the fortunate many who were on her annual list. Despite her failing hands due to neuropathy and arthritis, she oversaw a crew of people to make over 3,000 Greek cookies for her grandson’s wedding in October.
Yiayia, we will miss you but promise to honor your legacy and make you proud.
The family plans to hold a celebration of life on February 1, 2025 from 11:00 AM-3:00 PM at The Little America Hotel, 500 Main Street, Salt Lake City, Ballroom A-B.
In Loving Memory
I had the pleasure of taking care of this sweet woman as her nurse for a few days and it was so nice to see her perk up and interact with her family. She even joked around with me a couple of times and we shared a few laughs! My heart goes out to all her loved ones.
Megan Williams
N Salt Lake, UT
Dearest Yia-Yia’s Family, I feel that I know each of you personally because of Nick and social media. It has been wonderful following Yia-Yia, almost daily, for the past year as she made Christmas goodies and wedding cookies. It was obvious she was a pillar of strength, faith and love. I will miss watching and hearing her on TikTok. She made me laugh and I loved her for that. Be ready God…she’s a force to be reckoned with. 💋💋💋
Bobbi Burns
Findlay, OH
Sorry for your loss. Just think and and get comforted that she is in a better place, it might sound cliche but is the truth. Sorry English is not my first language.
Rosalie Lopez
Hartford, Connecticut
Nick and Family, I’m so sorry for your lost my deepest condolences to all. May the Great Spirit walk with all of you and provide comfort throughout the coming time. Again I’m so sorry!!!🧡
Sarah Holmes
Frederick, MD
Rip yia-yia you will be missed I absolutely loved see you on nicks lives you was the best many prayers 🙏 for nick and his family ♥
Misty
Zanesville, OH
Nick and family sorry to hear about your grandmother, she was so sweet on all the videos I saw. My deepest condolences and sympathy 🙏
Kathy Sayher
Chardon, Ohio
You were a super star a woman I knew only a short time but I knew you were a special lady with a great out take on life 💝 rip now with all who went before you xx you may be done but I know you will never be forgotten 💕
Juliet Mcgeorge
Christchurch, New Zealand
She made me laugh with her all the time. Her willingness to get streaks in her hair, lip injections anything Nick wanted her to try she did it with a great spirit always trying something new. She had no fear and looked everything in the eye saying “that was fun “ I want to thank the family for sharing her life on tictok. It was a pleasure and honor to know her. Rest in peace and free from pain.
Mary Jo Wetzel
W Coxsackie, NY
Dear Nick and family! I want to say I’m so sorry and you all are in my thoughts and prayers. I knew her through Nick and his live streams on Tic Tok and such . She was such an inspiration to me she reminded me of my Nama . I’m saddened to hear this . I had just lost my mom a few days ago . Reading this brought me to tears . It’s a time for prayers for everyone in Nick’s family . God bless you all . Love you Nick 💕💕🙏
Karen Francis
Bristol, Virginia
I'm so sorry. My heart goes out for you and your family. She's a garden angel watching over you guys. She was such a lovely woman. I wish I had the chance to meet her, but I probably up in heaven but it was so nice to see her in your videos when you went live. Thank you for sharing your life with me. I'm always here for you. Love you babe will meet her up in heaven
Tina
KINGSTON ont, Canada
My condolences to Nick and family. I'm glad for the times we got to see you on Nick’s TicTok. You were so sweet and a lot of fun. I will miss seeing you with Nick and hearing the stories. I know your family and friends will miss so so much. 💜
Sheila Howell
Mc Kenzie, TN
With my warmest and deepest sympathy to you and our family in ti's time of need and the loss of a great woman YIA YIA, Fly With The Angels and Soar the Sky's with God. Another Angel Has Gone Home.
Robie Bench
Taylor, AZ
Nick Metos I M always your supporter through fb and TikTok and I always watch your live helping YiaYia and she is so healthy and strong woman working in the kiitchen with Nick I. Love watching Nick helping YIA YIA sorry for your loss Nick I will miss YIA YIA
Wendy Leung
Hey Nick sorry for your loss my deepest condolences to you and your family. (Trixy )
Trikanda Julia Begaye Tsinnijinnie
Mesa, AZ
My deepest condolences to you, Nick, and your entire family.
Cindy Rodriguez
Phoenix, AZ
To the family Iwish you all loads and loads of strenght with the loss of your Mum/sister/aunt and grandma.Keep in mind that when the time comes for one of you,you will be together for infinity.With no worries,strees or sickness.I sincerly hope you all will find some comfort in that.And she'll have the loved ones she loves waiting for her.So stay strong untill you meet her again.Kind regards and a big hug Linda Zerstegen
Linda Zerstegen
Zoetermeer, Zuid-Holland
Prayers for you and your family upon losing your beloved. God bless you for taking care of her.It’s very noble taking care of family. You will never regret the time you offered her as she made her transition.
Jennifer Thrift
Thomson, GA
Bless u, you touched me soul. Thank you. Bless ur family
Linda Hall
Apopka, FL
Heartfelt condolences go out to Nick and his family during this difficult time. Thanks for sharing such a beautiful soul on your social media Nick. I couldn’t get over how much strength she had and energy, especially with her baking. It was always nice to see Nick taking her places and spending time with his Yia Yia. Memories to cherish. Prayers and hugs.
Shirley Emery
So sorry for the loss of YiaYia. Loved watching her and Nick. They had such a special relationship. I am very close with my oldest grandson, and I feel your pain of losing her. Heartfelt condolences to nick and the family
Lynn obrien
Little River, SC
Sending my dearest deepest condolences to beautiful Yia Yia and beautiful family. Big hugs love and prayers to remember all the beautiful memories every day until you meet again. All my love.
Dina Agnelli
College point, NY
So sorry for the loss
Karen Corizzi
Wilmington, NC
Nick and your family So sorry for the loss of your sweet grandma, Yiayia. Loved seeing her in your videos. You will always have the beautiful memories.
Karen Corizzi
Wilmington, NC
🪽Nick my deepest condolences to you and your family. May she RIP she was too cute going to miss her in your lives. She is now your forever Angel🪽🙏❤️
Maritza
Newark, NJ
Metos Family , I have followed Nicholas since 2017 . I am so sorry for your loss of Yai Yai she was so incredible i looked forward to when she'd go live with Nick . I always looked forward to seeing her beautiful face and her words of advice and her bluntness . I find it cool she was born in helper i used to live up there and now live in price . I loved when she'd teach us about family history and would speak Greek sometimes . Such a beautiful gone but never forgotten . Please know my daughter Bethanie (9) and my other daughert Lailah (6) amd myself Mariya are praying for each and everyone of you . She leaves a wonderful legacy for all who got to know and knew her . I'm sending prayers and virtual hugs to you all . RIP Yai Yai . 🫂🫂🙏🙏🫂🫂🙏🙏 Love, Mariya 🫂 Bethanie 🩷 Lailah 💜
Mariya Boecker
Price, Utah
Nick and Family , So sorry for your loss! I have enjoyed watching you take such good care of her this past year! You are a true saint. Hugs to all
Traci Plude
East Hartford, CT
What an awesome obituary. She sounds like one incredible lady!! Enjoyed meeting her through Nick on social media. Hugs to all who knew her and may her shining light continue to guide all of you through good times and bad.
Tammy
I have been watching Nick since 2018 and then one day he went live and I met yia yia. Yia yia always made me happy. Her smile would light up and make me smile. I learned so much from her and especially her cooking. I been making her famous chicken soup now all the time and my mom and family loves it. YIA YIA , you was a wonderful person even though I never physically got to meet you in person I feel like you and Nick was always a part of my family 🥹. Hearing the news of her passing I cried so much because she was like family and I will never forget you YIA-YIA. Sleep in peace MY BEAUTIFUL QUEEN YIA-YIA 🥹🫶🙏. My condolences to Nick and the family and everyone who knew her 🫶. Sending lots of healing , strength and prayers for Nick and yia yia’s family 🙏. Gone but never forgotten luv you yia yia 🥹🫶🙏
Mellysglam
NYC, NY
To NICK and his entire family I want to send my sincerest condolences from all the way in Barbados I've been following NICK for a short time but at least I got to see Yai Yai she was so full of life and love just like her grandson I loved her please continue to carry on her legacy and a pray God would strengthen you all in your time of sorrow sending lots of love hugs and kisses to all of you!! LOVE ANN-MARIE NURSE BARBADOS
Ann-Marie Nurse
1382553, BARBADOS
She was a great lady!!! I will miss seeing her on your lives, Nick. God bless and may she rest in peace.
Sharon Gottfried
Cleveland, TN
I’m so sorry for your loss!
Shanelle Shidler
Elkhart, IN
My deepest condolences to Nick & his family during this difficult time. Your Yaya was sush a beautiful lady. I loved watching you both interact together. I could see how much she loved & cherished your time together. She was so sweet. And so cute. She will have a special place in heaven 4sure with the lord. ♥️ And she will never be forgotten!! Nick, you made her last few weeks & days so memorable for her. She had the time of her life. Never forget that. ♥️…. I wish you & your family peace now & know she is resting with the Lord now. She is happy & content with her life. And will be watching & protecting all of you from heaven now. God Bless you all! RIP Yaya! We love you!! ♥️🙏
Lidia Hernández-Parra
Paramount, CA
MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY 🙏 I KNOW HOW YOU ADORED YOUR YAYA. ❤️
MARIAN ELAINE Goodchild
Sending Nick and family so much love and light during this tremendous loss. Yia Yia lived a very full life and is a testament to each and every single one of you guys. So much love in your family. Always stick together because that's what she would want you guys to do. She built her family on love and strength. Live life with her in mind and in heart. Hugs, Melanie Paige ♥️🙏🏻🕯️
Melanie Paige(FB OG NickNation)
Brooklyn, New York
Oh Nick and family I'm so sorry for your loss she was a sweet lady.
Stephanie Smith
Knoxville, TN
Tina, I’m so sorry for your loss. I adored Nola. My mother said ‘ she is crushed because another of her life long friend’s is gone’. She was always so fun to be around and I loved watching my mom with her and their banter. She will be truly missed. May be memory be eternal.
Melissa Ladakis
Dear Nick and family, I was devastated to see your story today and learn that Yia-Yia has passed on. She was absolutely the loveliest woman. I'm sending all my love to you and your family! Love, maria.gemini.77 💜
Maria Rice
Phoenix, Arizona
Nick, oh honey I'm so very sorry for the loss of your Yia Yia 😢 I enjoyed every minute of your videos with her and she definitely was the bright light of your family!! My heart is breaking for you and your family at this time 💔 Sending love ❤️ hugs and prayers 🙏 to you all
Kim Anderson
Conover, NC
Such a beautiful sweet lady. My deepest and sincere condolences to Nick and his family, my heart goes out to each one of you. Love and prayers always. Lord please give this beautiful family in this difficult time. PEACE AND LOVE.💗🙏💗🙏
Rhonda Hardin
Columbus, Ohio
So sorry for your loss...I enjoyed watching Nick cooking with Yiayia,she made some yummy looking things...God be with you at this time & continue to bless you always ❤️
Brenda Chavez
Springfield, Oregon
We send our heart felt condolences and prayers to Nick and Family. I felt I knew Yay Yay so well even though I had not meant her personally. Felt connected with her through Nick and she responded on FB lives . It meant a lot ! We love you so much Nick and your family! Thanks for taking care of her so well !! God Bless
Nancy Guthrie Ron Guthrie
Aliso Viejo, CA
So sorry for y'all loss send My condolences and prayers 🙏🙏🙏
Jennifer Burton
Modesto, CA
My condolences and prayers to family and friends
Terri davis
I'm so deeply sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful person. I enjoyed your love for her. And my prayers are for your wonderful family and you to remember how much she loved you then SMILE
Linda Olison
Mobile, Ala
Dear Nick ~ My deepest condolences to you and your family! I'm so happy you moved back to Utah to enjoy some incredible memories with your sweet Yia-Yia. It was a joy to watch you do so many amazing things with her on your lives. May her beautiful soul rest with the angels. 🤍🕊️ Much love, always ~ Georgina Sande
Georgina Sande
St. Albert, Alberta, Canada
I consider myself blessed to have had the privilege of taking Nola her Christmas basket from Philoptochos in December. We had a nice visit. We talked about school since we were both elementary teachers. Our most meaningful conversation was about Philoptochos and the Greek Festival pastries. I showed her a short video on my phone of the new machine at church. She told me how the recipes were developed and tweaked. She admired all the ladies that would come down every day to make the different cookies. Some from as far away as West Jordan, on the bus, to help. They all became dear friends, enjoying each other’s “parea.” My mother was one of those women. Those early days laid the foundation for the festival we enjoy today. Nola was instrumental in establishing that foundation. She was admired, appreciated, and loved. I will cherish that conversation I had with Nola forever.
Geri Carr
Salt Lake Cty, Utah
I'm so sorry for you're Nick. The short time I found your live You're Nonna Was so sweet and can see your love for her and she for you. Sending prayers to you and your family 🙏🏼❤️
PhillyGirl79
Philadelphia, Pa
So sorry for your loss of yaya nick your grandma so loved you n you loved her remember the good times n keep smiling she would want that. Prayers to you n your family.
Donna Nelson ( dog mama )
Colchester, Illinois
You will dearly be missed by many you have taught me a few things you was a wonderful soul on this earth I truly hope you are doing all the things you loved to do here up there with the angels an dancing big hugs and love
Tessa
Robersonville, North Carolina
Nick, it has been a priviledge to get to know you and YaiYai. She will always be in yiur heart guy. Sorry for your loss, but happy you got to spend her last months with her. You need anything call.
Jeffrey Spaulding aka Avesjoe
Salt Lake City, UT
So sorry Nick for your loss of yaya she so loved you n you loved her remember the good times n keep smiling .
Donna Nelson
Colchester, Illinois
Oh Nick, I’m so sorry for your loss! She was such a fun, loving lady! You and her’s relationship remind me of mine and my grandmothers. You both are such an inspiration to others as well as an example of all around amazing humans! I love you and your family and sending all the positive vibes and good love your way! -OnlyAlex
Alex Knight
Nashville, TN
As The author of Palettes , I know how important it is to keep family close, but also learned to have to let those go in that I’ve never really experienced it on my end personally, but I’m extending full love and will be in great remembrance through throughout my current project of your wonderful Yia yia, may this angel of a human rest in peace.
Seldon Davis
Mitchell, GA
Rest in peace beautiful lady!!! Getting to see you with your amazing grandson Nick over the past year has been amazing!!! The love you guys shared for each other is inspiring and was so special to witness!!! You will always be in our hearts and memories!! My condolences to your beautiful family!!!
Brian
Saint James, Ny
I meet this young beautiful soul by watching all her videos with Nick. I am beyond Blessed to have been able to meet her. She will be missed unconstitutional but never forgotten. We Love You. & (Uncle)Nick & Family. Your always in ourHearts- Minds Prayers. Love Michelle DeFazio & Logan.
Michelle DeFazio
Johnstown, PA
You will be missed terribly! I'll miss you the most, because you looked just like my Mother! The way you say stuff and do things reminded me of her. Your beautiful and you'll be missed by so many! I didn't know you but it sure seem like I did! Your a beautiful angel now! God rest your soul! R.I.P. Beautiful Yia,Yia! I ♡ You!
Robin Capps
Adger, Alabama
Nick and Family. My sincere condolences to all. Nick I so enjoyed watching all your videos with your sweet Yia Yia. You know have a special angel to watch over all of you. may she rest in peace.
Joanne M
Melrose, Ma
Nick, I am so saddened to see that your beautiful Yia Yia has passed over. You were the light of her life, and she of yours. The love you shared with her made my heart so happy. I know she loved you dearly,and the love and care you gave to her was immeasurable. Thank you for sharing her with us. I’m so very sorry she has left this physical world, but she is with you always. Much love, and comfort, Loren💗
Loren Ciardullo
St Catharines, ON
Dearest Nick and extended family, I was blessed to get to know Yaya through social media watching Nick and Yiayia go through many fun times together whether it was cooking or other things. My family is also Greek who are all in heaven now, so I could relate to everything that was going on. It always put a smile on my face every single time I saw Nick and family with Yiayia mou on the Internet watching their fun adventures. May Yiayia Have eternal life in heaven and her memories will stay alive forever through many people. She was definitely a wonderful person and I’m blessed to have seen your entire family through your videos and posts. Nick. Thank you for sharing Yiayia with everybody else. Sagapo to you all 🙏🏻✝️ She will forever be your guardian angel. God bless you all
Vanessa Thomas
Nashua, New Hampshire
Nick and family So sorry of your Yia Yia's passing even though I did not no her I felt that I did she seemed like a lovely person, I loved watching you and yia yia cook together amongst other videos you did with yia yia she will be missed by many I pray that you find comfort that you did your best in taking care of your Yia yia may she rest in peace, may her memory be eternal zoi se mus.. Athena 🙏
Athena Cannon
Miami, Florida
My deepest condolences to you and your family Yia Yia was a beautiful person inside and out sending prayers
Chanin Miller
Bluff City, Tennessee
Nick...I'm so sorry for the great loss you and your family have endured. Grandmother's a special and I know God led you back to Utah to be a blessing to and make memories with your family and Yia Yia. I am so grateful to you and your family for sharing her with your followers. She was loved by many and she had great love and was so proud of you! xoxo
Kimberly Lewis Beavers
Willow Park, TX
I have been a follower of Nicks for a very long time and this woman would just light up his videos and live feeds! Her bossing Nick in the kitchen I could watch for hours. I know she will be a rock that is sorely missed in your lives!
Chase mahan
Heflin, Alabama
My sincerest condolences to you and your family. When I first saw a TikTok video with Yiayia in it, I knew I had to stick around. She was a beam of light in this dark world 💕 We will always remember her fondly.
Heather Trupia
Orlando, Florida
My Condolences to you and your family Nick.. I loved seeing your YiaYia on live streaming with you. Such an amazing person.. you all are very blessed to have had her in your life and to carry on her legacy.. her blood runs through your veins. May she Rest in Peace and Rejoice in the Lord’s Loving Light.. 🙏💛🌻💫
Amy Perales
San Antonio, TX
Nick I have been following you for a long time . It was such a beautiful move to go and take care of her . She was a beautiful lady . My condolences to you and your family .
Tracey Spaugh
King, NC
My deepest sympathies for your loss. I loved watching your lives with her and y'all's outings. (Nick) You guys had a bond that was easy to see. I’m so glad you got to spend the last year with her. I’m sure that made her very happy in her final last moments. She was beautiful and a very bright light.
Shelley Clark
Naples, FL
Dear Metos family, I am so sorry for the loss of yia yia! I send my deepest condolences, even though i never met her I feel I was still connected to her through tik tok! Seeing the way she loved her family and made all the cookies for the wedding and calling all the shots! She was the sweetest and will be missed greatly! Love you all! Rest In Heaven yia yia!
Travis Ohliger
Indianapolis, Indiana
Nick and family, I am so sorry for the loss of such a beautiful woman. May her precious memory be eternal.
Jetta Morgan
Hurt, VA