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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Obituary: Zografos, Mary

Age 88


ZOGRAFOS, Mary

87 year old matriarch of the Zografos family in Spokane, Washington, died quietly in her sleep surrounded by family members on October 28, 2012.

A lifetime resident of Spokane, Mary Zografos was born on November 12, 1924 in Spokane and was the daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Panagos.

Mary graduated from North Central High School and later in life received her College Diploma with highest honors from what was then Eastern Washington State College.

For many years, Mary was an English teacher at Central Valley High School, and thousands of students learned their writing and punctuation skills with Mary as their taskmaster.

Mary’s love of singing was a major part of her life and those that heard her will never forget the power, clarity and range of her unforgettable Soprano voice.

She sang professionally at the Greek American Club in Spokane as a young woman, was a lifelong member of the choir at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, often serving as choir director, and along with her husband of 62 years, Tomi Zografos, participated in many singing groups that performed throughout the Spokane area.

The highlight of her singing experience was when she and Tomi performed with their singing group by invitation at Carnegie Hall in New York.

Mary will forever be known for her prowess in the kitchen (making fabulous meals out of seemingly “nothing”), her love of fashion (but only at bargain prices) and for her endless love for her four sons and their ever-growing families.

Mary is survived by her step brother and sister, Pano Salagianis and Dina Baker (Walla Walla, Washington) and four sons and their wives who will forever remember her as their loving mother.

They include Dr. Peter T. Zografos and his wife Mary Lou (Spokane, Washington); Dean T. Zografos, Esq.

and his wife Karlyn (Portland, Oregon); Dr. Gregory C. Zografos and his wife Monica (Mill Creek, Washington); and Dr. Stephen J. Zografos and his wife Debbie (Kent, Washington).

Mary’s loving grandchildren, who will cherish their memories of their Yia Yia, include: Amanda Jones and her husband Jeremy; Ashley Zografos; Scott Merritt and his wife Zoe; Matt Merritt; Stacy Zografos; Carrie Zografos, Dina Zografos and her husband Will; Justin Campana and Tomi Zografos; Nick and Teddy Zografos.

Her loving great grandchildren, who will forever be told the stories of Mary Zografos and her husband Tomi, include: Jaden Padilla, Reece and Layla Jones; Kyra, William and Brady Williams; Logan and Amelia Merritt.

A visitation will take place on Friday, November 9, 2012 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Hazen and Jaeger Funeral Home, 1306 N Pines Rd, Spokane Valley, WA.

The funeral service will take place on Saturday, November 10, at 10:00 am in the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 1703 N Washington, Spokane, WA with Father Stephen Supica officiating.

Interment will follow at Riverside Memorial Park.

Food and refreshments will follow at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.

Contributions in memory of Mary Zografos may be made to Hospice of Spokane, PO Box 2215, Spokane, WA 99210-2215.