Pat Maroudas Karpakis

Our beloved mother and aunt, Pat (Panagiota) Karpakis, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by family on October 20, 2025, at the age of 94.

She was born September 23, 1931 in Gerakion, Greece to her parents George Maroudas and Margarita Yianis Maroudas. Pat lost her father at the age of 5 and together with her two brothers was raised by her widowed mother, enduring many struggles and hardships.  She became a certified seamstress, mastering her trade in Greece and later in Chicago.  As an immigrant at the age of 19 Pat courageously embraced a new life, starting in Chicago for a short period, and then to Utah for the majority of her adult life (moving from Magna to Salt Lake).  She considered her home in Magna a palace, particularly compared to her childhood home.  Even after moving to Salt Lake, Pat regularly enjoyed making trips back to Magna to reminisce her many wonderful memories.

First and foremost, Pat will be remembered by exemplifying the word love (truly unconditional agape love).  She literally loved everyone, embraced everyone and saw the goodness in everyone.  Her heart melted in the presence of children.   She never hesitated to say “I love you,” which often included hugs and kisses, even to someone she met for the first time.  Pat joyfully and generously gave to others including to her church as a faithful Orthodox Christian steward.  Many family members, friends and priests have been blessed with her beautiful needlepoint icons that are prominently displayed in their homes and churches. In addition, she was known for her beautiful crochet blankets that were given to family members and donated to charities.

Family was always the center of her life (including extended family and friends).  Pat met the love of her life, John Karpakis, at his brother’s wedding in Chicago.  They were married at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Salt Lake City on November 15, 1953 and were inseparable for nearly 70 years of marriage. She raised their two sons George and Christopher who, together with her husband and daughter-in-law Scarlet, were always the core of her agape love.  Pat was an incredible cook, which included a variety of Greek pastries enjoyed by all. This became the focus of the many family and friend gatherings.  Her home was always open, no appointments needed.

Pat was extremely faithful, focusing on prayer and church attendance, along with regular conversations with her Creator and the Virgin Mary.  When asked about the answer to her prayers, her common response was “Love, pray and don’t worry.”

Pat is survived by her son George (Scarlet) and by nephews and nieces, Rita (Spiro) Demas, George Maroudas, Rita (John) Litsas, Jim (Diane) Maroudas, Dino (Eleni) Maroudas, Chuck (Goldie) Karpakis, James (Candace) Karpakis, Cory Karpakis, Kelli Karpakis, Cory Mills, and numerous great nieces and nephews.  Also survived by sister-in-law Lorlee Karpakis.  Survived also by godchildren Chris Sakellariou, Patty Pecora and MaryLynn Beck.  

Pat was preceded in death by her husband John Karpakis, son Christopher Karpakis, parents, father-in-law Chris Karpakis, mother-in-law Katherine Karpakis, brother George Maroudas, brother Jim Maroudas, sisters-in-laws, Athena, Mary and Voula Maroudas, Georgia Karpakis, brother-in-law Nick Karpakis, brother-in-law Pete Karpakis, nephew Chris Karpakis and nieces Kathy Karpakis, Christine Mills, Margo Maroudas and godson Jim Saltas.

The family would like to thank her many caregivers including Dr. Roy Gandolfi, nurse Shauna Bennee and caregivers Amber Reynolds, Natalie Kuhn and Anna Paryzek.

A Viewing will be held on Thursday, October 23 from 6 to 8pm (Trisagion prayer service at 7pm) at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 279 South 300 West, SLC, UT 84101.  Funeral Services will be held on Friday, October 24 at 10am at St. Anna Greek Orthodox Church, 9201 S 1300 E, Sandy UT 84094. Following Internment at Mount Olivet Cemetery, the traditional Makaria, “Memorial Meal” will be held at St. Anna.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to St Anna Greek Orthodox Church or the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Benevolence Fund.

MAY HER MEMORY BE ETERNAL