Mary Kogianes

Mary Papageorge Kogianes

August 19, 1927 ~ September 28, 2017

Mary Papageorge Kogianes, age 90, the matriarch of our family was born to Greek immigrant parents Alexander Papageorge and Anastasia Markos in Ogden, Utah.  At a very young age Mary learned about hard work.  Many of her first jobs were on the Papageorge family’s dairy farm which included milking the cows by hand, thinning sugar beets, and spending long days in the fields planting, tending, and harvesting crops. A lifelong resident of Farr West, she attended Weber County schools and graduated from Stevens-Henagar College where her Gregg’s Shorthand and words-per-minute typing skills were superlative.

Following her education, she was employed by and retired from Utah State University Extension with 31 years of service.  Her work complimented her life-style and vice versa.  In 1945, she led her first 4-H club and subsequently assisted countless 4-H members in all areas of club work.  Through her work and special interests in Weber County, she clerked Plain City Dairy Days, prepared necessary materials for Hooper Tomato Days, the DHIA, the Weber County Fair, and the Farm Bureau.  She was involved with the FFA program and 4-H Teen Council, the Adult Leaders Group, and the Master Gardener Program.

While working at the extension office Mary met her true love, James George Kogianes and together they shared 63 years of marriage.  According to Mary, without such a very loving, supportive, enthusiastic, and dedicated husband, no woman could possibly be so successful, as he was responsible for all the “behind the scenes” work.

Mary demonstrated selfless service throughout her life and was instrumental in establishing both the Farr West Homemakers Club and a park fund for the beautiful Farr West Park. She was PTA President at local and state levels.

In 1987, Mary became the owner and operator of Bagels & Buns in Ogden where 3 generations of the family served loyal customers and friends for 20 years.  She became the “Tip Fairy” to her grandchildren, giving all of her hard-earned tips to them to further their educations.

The Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church in Ogden of which she was a member, was established in large part due to her unwavering faith and commitment.  She served numerous years on the Board of Trustees, was a lifelong member of the Philoptochos Society, devout Sunday school teacher, GOYA advisor, and pillar of the Greek Food Festival.  In recognition of her benevolent life, she was awarded St. Paul’s Medal of Honor, the highest award bestowed upon laymen in the church.  Her faith was evident by her actions and in every possible way she looked for ways to love and lift others.

Mary pursued excellence in all she did and continued a quest for knowledge throughout life.  She was a caregiver to her family, friends, and community.  Her favorite quote from her maternal grandfather was, “If you leave nothing to this world but your good name, you will have left a fortune.”

She was a devoted wife to her husband James, a loving mother to daughter Ann (Drew) Wilson and son George (Jann) Kogianes.  She was the best Yiayia ever to Stacey (Quin) Henderson, Dean (Nichole) Wilson, and Hailey (Jeffrey) Harber and a kind step-Yiayia to Tyler Jensen and Hollie (Wes) Ashton.  Mary was a nurturing Proyiayia to Calista, Mark, Pyper, Peyton, Audrey, and Monelle and step-Proyiayia to Ella and Wyatt.  She was an amazing sister to Jimmie (Kay) Papageorge (both deceased) and twin surviving siblings Harry (Helen) Papageorge and Florence (George, deceased) Blosser.  She was an affectionate Nouna to godson Chris Bolos.  Many nieces, nephews, and cousins benefited from her love and guidance as Momma Mary, Thea Mary, and Aunt Mary.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, infant brother, and special uncles George, Herman, Jim, and Chris Markos with whom she grew up.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 9, 2017 at 11 a.m. at the Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, 674 42nd Street, South Ogden. Friends may visit with family on Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. with Trisagion service at 7 p.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. with Rev. Fr. Mario Giannopoulos officiating.

Interment, Lindquist’s Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, 674 42nd Street, South Ogden, UT  84403.