Mary Vasilakis

Mary Vasilakis (November 28, 1925 – June 26, 2022)

It is said that “(s)he who leaves this world a better place is of great personage”.  Mary, was one of these people. She was a woman ahead of her time. Mary graduated with honors in Biology from the University of Pittsburgh and received her Masters Degree in Library Science from Duquesne University. She began her career in biological research at the Mellon Institute, followed by a distinguished 33-year career at Westinghouse. There, she advanced the area of Information Storage and Retrieval for the entire Nuclear Energy Division. In 1977, she was the awarded the Westinghouse Order of Merit, the highest honor the company bestowed.  As an Adjunct Professor at the University of Pittsburgh, she authored many publications. She remained active in the Special Libraries Association and was President for many years. She was a passionate mentor of women both in and out of the professional world.

Mary’s heritage (Crete, Greece) was reflected in all aspects of her life. She devoted her time and talents to the Pancretan Association of America. In 2019 she was the recipient of the Pancretan Lifetime Achievement Award. She was a lifelong member of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and its Philoptochos. She devoted time to community service through Inroads Pittsburgh, UPMC and served as District Judge of Elections. Mary golfed at the Doral Women’s Open, participated in and supported women’s athletics and enjoyed her involvement in a successful women’s investment club.

She will be missed by her loving and devoted sister Nancy Russon, her nieces Andrea, Caterina (Don), Joanna (Bobby) her nephews Manuel (Sue), John (Gina), and many great nieces and nephews.  Mary is preceded in death by her mother Catherine, her father George, her brother and sister-in-law John and Dolly Vasil, brother-in-law George Russon and the love of her life, Tony Drgon, with whom she spent her best years traveling, dining and socializing. She will be missed by her caregivers, colleagues, friends, neighbors and extended family.

Aιώνια Mνήμη (May her memory be eternal). Friends will be received at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Thursday June 30, 2022 from 10 AM until an 11AM Funeral Service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, the Pancretan Endowment Fund, the Greek Room Committee at the University of Pittsburgh or the Special Library Association. Arrangements by John A. Freyvogel Sons, Inc. (freyvogelfuneralhome.com)
 

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