Elaine Dokos Tzourtzouklis
March 7, 1943 - March 26, 2017
Elaine Dokos Tzourtzouklis, 74, passed away on March 26, 2017 with her loving family and friends by her side. Elaine was born to Stella Konakis Dokos and George Dokos on March 7, 1943 in Salt Lake City. She married Ted Tzourtzouklis in the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox church in May 1964 and had one son, Nick.
Elaine had a larger than life personality that was infectious and undeniable. It was impossible to spend any time around her without feeling the positivity and love that she embodied so well. Her greatest source of joy came from her family. Known as "Yiayia" to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was a constant source of love, support, and laughs. She would proudly show off pictures and videos of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren to everyone around.
Not only was she a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many, Elaine dedicated her professional life to education, having positively impacted the lives of hundreds of students over a distinguished 20 year career in the classroom. Following her years as a teacher Elaine went on to serve 14 years as the Vice President and then President of the Salt Lake Teachers Association and then served 11 years as the Executive Director of the Wasatch Uniserve, a position she held until the time of her death. Elaine earned her Bachelors and Masters in Education from Westminster College.
Elaine is preceded in death by her father George Dokos; mother Stella Dokos Solis; sister Marina Dokos Martin. She is survived by her husband of 53 years Ted of SLC, UT; son Nick (Karen) of Mansfield TX; grandchildren Allie Jones (Travis) of Arlington TX, Zack Tzourtzouklis (Divya Kumar) of Dallas TX; great grandchildren Ava Jones and Talan Jones; brother Chris Dokos (Joanne); numerous nephews, cousins and a large group of close friends and colleagues.
A Viewing will be held on Thursday, March 30, 2017 at Starks Funeral Parlor, located at 3651 South 900 East Salt Lake City, Utah, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM with a Trisagion Service beginning at 7:00 PM. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday March 31, 2017 at 11:00 AM at St. Anna's Greek Orthodox Church, located at 3015 Creek Road Cottonwood Heights, Utah with a burial to follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 1342 East 500 South Salt Lake City, Utah.
In Loving Memory
I dearly loved Elaine. I have known her for over 25 yrs. through education. I literally would not have survived 28 yrs. in education without her support and help. She knew show to handle both administrators, superintendents and the district people. She gave tirelessly to fight for teachers' rights. She had a very calming and reassuring presence when dealing with the injustices of administrators. I will miss her vivacious personality and undaunting spirit. She said she would never retire and she kept her promise. She loved and was very proud her son, Nick, and talked about him and showed off her great and grandchildren. I will dearly miss her.
Colleen Tregeagle
SLC, UT
Your absence will be felt in such an enormous way. You've advocated for so many with such true compassion. I will miss your infectious laugh. May your family find peace during this difficult time. My heart and prayers are with them.
Karen Bell
Salt Lake City, Ut
I was so saddened of hearing of Elaine's passing. Throughout my 30 years in education if ever I had an issue, needed an ally or a true advocate she was always there to stand up for me, when I felt I couldn't. She was able to confront administrators with the utmost professionalism. She didn't mince words and seemed to accomplish what was needed in my behalf. I loved how she used humor to lighten sometimes intense situations. There are people in ones life that truly make a difference and Elaine was one of those people. I am so sorry for your loss.
Lorraine Montoya-Renzetti
Salt Lake City, Ut
I want to express my deepest sympathy on the passing of Elaine. Pray to God for the strength to endure the pain of losing her. She will be missed by everyone who loved her.
Lisa Wellet
nan, nan
My heartfelt sympathy on the loss of Elaine. Pray to God for the strength to endure the pain of losing her. She will be missed by everyone who loved her. God has promised to do away with sickness and death in his own due time. I hope this promise is a source of comfort for those who loved Elaine. The sweet and fond memories you have of her will always be a part of you. May those memories also be a source of comfort for you. -Revelation 21:3,4
Lisa Wellet
nan, nan
We were saddened to hear of the passing of Elaine. She was an amazing woman of strength and resilience. Her strong love of education and teachers was evident in all that she accomplished. She leaves a large gap of knowledge and experience that will be difficult to replace. We are sorry for your loss and we will miss her presence.
Ensign Elementary SLEA Members
SALT LAKE CITY, UT
My Love and condolences to Family of Elaine. She was my best friend all through Elementary, Jr. High and High School. I have pictures of our parties and graduations. She was a really great Lady. God Bless all her Loved ones and give them peace. Love.. Delores
Delores Sandoval Comerford
Salt Lake City, Ut
My best and dear condolences to Elaine's family, to Ted and Nick,Marina Jim and Jimmy, Chris & Joanne when I learned about Elaine my heart broke in pices she was a beautiful person inside and out... This is Martha grandma's Stella's Dokos Solis & Jose's Solis granddaughter Love you all Martha Mazariegos
Martha L Mazariegos
Houston, TX