Susan Giokaris Patzakis 1941-2021

Susan was a rare soul who was universally loved by all. She devoted her life to her family, including her loving husband of over 59 years, Dr. Michael J. Patzakis, her four children, Michele, Theresa, John and Peter, and 12 grandchildren. Her husband Michael, the love of her life, endlessly adored, cared for and supported her, especially throughout her illness, when he was always at her side.

Originally from Lima, Ohio, and a 50-year resident of San Marino, Calif., Susan was the fourth of five children born to Greek immigrant parents Peter (Petros) John Giokaris and Theresa (Athanasia) Kanatas Giokaris. Susan was baptized Stamatia in Greek after her maternal great-grandmother. After graduating from Lima Senior High School, she went on to attend The Ohio State University, from which she received a bachelor of science degree in nursing, and where she met and married Michael, who was attending medical school. Following graduation, Michael’s acceptance into LAC-USC Medical Center internship and orthopedic residency programs precipitated a move out West. Susan passed her nursing licensing exam and worked on a medical-surgery ward at LAC-USC Hospital until motherhood beckoned her full attention.

Although busy raising four children, Susan devoted countless hours to the Greek Orthodox Church and her local community. As a member of St. Anthony Parish in Pasadena, Susan served on the Philoptochos Board, co-chaired the Philoptochos Christmas Luncheon and Fashion Show Benefit, and frequently chaired the sweets booth for the Greek festivals. Susan and Michael supported countless church youth activities and opened their home to host many memorable youth swim parties, fundraisers and church gatherings. Her work ethic was tireless, joyously giving and creating for others her entire life. In fact, she hosted and single-handedly prepared events that are remembered and recounted for decades.

Susan and Michael became members at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral in 1989, and within a few years, Susan joined the St. Sophia Philoptohos Board, serving as corresponding secretary. She served on numerous church and Philoptohos committees in various capacities including co-chairing the 50th Anniversary Celebration for St. Sophia Cathedral and the St. Sophia Philoptohos Mother’s Day Luncheon. She was appointed as an administrative assistant to the St. Sophia Foundation Board of Trustees, was honored in 2008 by Saint Sophia Cathedral for her accomplishments including her role in the St. Sophia Building Fund, and was again honored in 2013 by the St. Sophia Philoptohos Society as the Mother of the Year. Susan was selfless and deeply enjoyed making others happy. Her mother’s day tribute theme was “A Giving Heart,” and this described her perfectly. Susan served on the Philoptochos Diocesan Board and chaired the first two Kids ‘n Cancer benefit events in Southern California, the first of which she hosted at her home.

Susan also helped raise student medical and dental scholarship money for the Hellenic American Medical and Dental Society, and was a founding member of the Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute Women’s Board of Southern California, where she served as president and chaired many committees. Susan and Michael are lifetime members of St. Sophia Cathedral and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese’s Leadership 100.

Susan loved and strongly supported the arts. She was a longtime member of the Loren L. Zachary Society for The Performing Arts, a member of the Women’s Committee at the Huntington Library, served on event committees for USC’s Thornton School of Music and was a patron of The California School of the Arts – San Gabriel Valley.

Susan loved attending sporting events, whether as member of her high school cheer squad, supporting her children and grandchildren at all their youth league games, attending several hundred USC football games over the years, while continuing to also cheer for her Ohio State Buckeyes.

Susan is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Michael; her four children, Michele Patzakis, Theresa Patzakis (Dean Collins), John Patzakis (Andrea Sarros) and Peter Patzakis (Brooke Anderson); with 12 precious grandchildren, Eva, Ariana and Michael Prappas; Alexandra, Mia and Michael Patzakis; Sophia, Athena and Nicoletta Stamus; Quinn Patzakis and Logan and Anderson Chun. Susan is also survived by her siblings, Marina Kookootsedes, Anna Giokaris Kruse, John Giokaris and Teddie Peterson.

Memorial and Funeral Services will be held at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1324 Normandie Ave., Los Angeles. In addition to in-person attendance, services will be streamed via the cathedral’s broadcast system; to pray with us online, visit www.saintsophia.org at the dates and times listed below.

Trisagion (Memorial Service): Friday, July 16, 2021, at 7 p.m.

Funeral Services: Saturday, July 17, 2021, at 10 a.m., with interment in Rose Hillis in Whittier at 2:30 p.m., following the service and memorial luncheon

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Susan’s memory to St. Sophia Philoptochos Society, or The Ohio State Susan Giokaris Patzakis Endowed Nursing Scholarship Fund; Donations payable to:

The Ohio State University Foundation

P.O. Box 710811

Columbus, OH 43271

Notation on Check: Susan Giokaris Patzakis Endowed Nursing Scholarship Fund – 645668.

(special notice)