Violet “Vickie” Boereboom Folias
February 2, 1943 - July 3, 2025
Vickie Folias, 82, a devoted wife, beloved mother, and lifelong educator, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2025 in Salt Lake City, UT, at the side of her husband Efthymios “Tim” S. Folias.
Born to Robert E.J. Boereboom and Violet S. Microutsicos in Brooklyn, NY, Vickie was known for her heart of gold, the excitement in her smile, and passion for helping others learn and grow. As a true friend, she always listened with compassion and made others feel truly heard.
She spent her early years in both the United States and Greece, graduating high school from the American Community School in Athens. She later earned a B.A. in Languages from St. Olaf College, where she mastered French and German.
After college she went back to Greece where she met the love of her life Tim Folias at a restaurant in Athens. They dated for several years before getting married in 1969 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
During this period, she began her 27-year elementary education teaching career and later earned an M.Ed. in Education from the University of Utah and a Special Education & Learning Disabilities Gifted Educator Endorsement from the Utah State Board of Education. She brought positivity, dedication, and enthusiasm to every classroom, inspiring and impacting the lives of students over decades. Following her retirement from teaching in 2002, she served as a mentor to teachers for 14 years in the Curriculum and Assessment program in the Salt Lake City School District.
She also played a meaningful role in her community as both co-founder of Saint Sophia School in 1996, alongside Elaine Bapis and Margo Sotiriou, and as the Education Chair of its Board. Integrating culture and learning, Saint Sophia School continues to enrich the community today.
Vickie found joy in the music of Barbra Streisand and Andrea Bocelli and in the sound of the waves at the beach with the feeling of sand between her toes. She loved to share her legendary paximadia (a Greek biscotti with cinnamon and raisins), play bridge, and have laughter-filled lunches with the ladies.
She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Tim Folias, her children, Stefanos E. Folias and Alexandra E. Folias, her sister Stephanie E. Joannides and her brother Alexander E. Joannides.
In her honor, donations may be made to Saint Sophia School, 5341 S. Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84117. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 from 6 – 8 pm MDT at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 S 900 E, Millcreek, UT 84106.
Vickie will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
In Loving Memory
Dear Folios Family, I was deeply sorry to hear of Vickie's passing. I was just recalling a story about living next door to you and your dog, telling my husband about you all. Please know that she made a difference in the life of this neighborhood kid through her kindness and enthusiastic spirit. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this difficult time. JoAnn Slama Lighty and Family
JoAnn S Lighty
Boise, Idaho
Vickie was my Teacher at Webster School in 1971 and 1972. I sat in the very back of the class room because I was really shy. When she took over our class, she moved me to the front and brought me out of being shy. She made such an indelible impression on me and I never forgot her kindness. She was the Best of the Best.
Audie Shields
Nashville, Tennessee
Dear Folias Family, Vickie was my elementary school teacher at Bonneville here in SL. Outside of my family, she changed the course of my education (and life) more than any other adult. She truly was an unmatched educator. I’m still in touch with several friends from those days and we will never forget her. She will be deeply missed and has no doubt impacted hundreds (thousands likely) of lives with her gifts. My deepest sympathies at your time of loss Natalie Darro
Natalie Darro
Salt Lake City, UT
Dear Folias family, my heart is heavy for your loss. I only recently found out about the passing of your beloved wife, mother and grandmother - I was writing a tribute to Pipeline Heroes (Efthymios) of the oil and gas industry and came across this news. It looks like she led a full and impactful life and had a lasting impression on many who were fortunate to cross life's paths with her. I would like pass on the warmest thoughts and deepest condolences to your family albeit later than I would have liked. Adrian Lim
Adrian Lim
Perth, Western Australia