Mary Kanderis Cederholm
May 3, 1933 - February 24, 2023
Mary Kanderis Cederholm, 89, of Sandy, UT, passed away on February 24, 2023. She was born on May 3, 1933 in Helper, UT to Mathios and Evangeline Kanderis. She graduated from Carbon High School and spent her working years in the transportation industry, most of those years at P.I.E. Trucking.
Mary’s life was defined by her strength, grace and resilience. Her beloved son, the late Michael Paras, brought her the greatest joy. Whenever she laughed, she filled the whole room with love. She will be remembered fondly for her great sense of style and her hobbies, including caring for her beautiful flower gardens, making ceramic figurines, cozying up with a good book and sewing. Her family will always feel close to her when they wear the scarves and blankets she crocheted for them.
Mary is survived by her loving daughter-in-law, Stacey Paras (née Sefakis), grandchildren, Andrea (Jim) Baratta and Matthew Paras, and great-grandson Michael Baratta, all of whom made “Yiayia” Mary so happy. She is also survived by her adored niece, Angela (the late Dave) Egeberg, wonderful nephews, Mathew Melonakis, Chris (Patsy) Melonakis, Tony (Heidi Tuck) Melonakis, and Terry (Nena) Melonakis, their families and many dear friends. Her cherished friendships meant so much to her.
Mary is preceded in death by her son Michael, her parents, her brother, Mike Kanderis, her sister, Stella Melonakis and her two husbands, Noel Spencer and Wayne Cederholm.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, March 3, 2023 from 6:00–8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor 3651 South 900 East. Guests are encouraged to use the parking and entrance on the north side of the building. Graveside services will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 12:00 PM at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 1342 East 500 South, Salt Lake City.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations in her name to the charity of your choice.
In Loving Memory
Mary was such a good friend, amazing creative crafter, awesome seamstress, and winner of the best laugh. I loved to make her laugh��. She always went out of her way to make guests feel welcome in her home. She was the "queen" back in the day at PIE. The drivers stood at attention when they came in at night to check in. Mary had standards and the drivers knew that. They knew their paperwork and payments needed to be in order. They adored her and so did I. I feel very fortunate to have had her in my life - it just won't be the same. Sweet dreams my friend❤️
Dana Thatcher
Sandy, Ut
My condolences for Mary, a woman who was strong, caring, fierce, and passionate. I will treasure the wonderful conversations we had on everything from flowers to books to the meaning of life. She was a progressive woman who lived her life in the way she saw fit, but always treasured time with her family. I will miss her loving smile and keen wit. May she rest in peace and be remembered with fondness. I love the pictures and music in the slide show, so moving! All my love, Audrey.
Audrey Makris
Livermore, CA