Miriam Legakis

Miriam Ethel Legakis passed away peacefully at age 74 on February 12, 2021. She was a 50 year resident of Davis Ca. Born in Columbus Ohio, July 7th, 1946, Mimi moved with her family to Alhambra, CA.  She was a loving sister to two older siblings Marilyn and Martin, and two younger siblings Carol and Mark.  Her parents, Pastor Gustav and Ethel Schramm, raised her in the Lutheran church.  She continued her strong faith throughout her life, singing in choirs and dedicating endless hours of service to Lutheran Women’s Missionary League.  It was her steadfast faith that gave her the ability to overcome many obstacles throughout her life.

She pursued her passion for teaching when she was accepted into Concordia Teachers College and spent a year studying in Seward, Nebraska. Taking a break from college, Mimi married and became a banker for San Diego Federal Savings, starting in San Diego and then as Greenhaven branch manager in Sacramento, CA.  She and her husband adopted two biological siblings, Cara and Page ages one and three, through the Children’s Home Society. Indebted to this organization, Mimi dedicated many years of volunteering and fundraising for that organization, becoming close lifelong friends with many of her fellow volunteers.

Mimi resumed her undergraduate studies, this time at UC Davis. She completed a Bachelor’s of Art in English in 1983 and taught 8th grade English in Winters CA.

Mimi then married John Legakis and gained two sons Justin and Nathan.  Soon after, her daughter Allison was born.  Her family expanded to later include six grandchildren, which she loved deeply and kept her excited everyday of her life.

Never without a smile on her face, Mimi will be remembered for her strong positivity.  She has been described by many as determined, perseverant, courageous and inspirational, particularly after having to resume life after a stroke at age 43, which left her with right side paralysis. Unwilling to succumb to physical challenges, she resumed driving her children to countless commitments and cooking for her family of seven.  She walked her neighborhood greenbelt daily and would bring warmth and a smile to many friends along the way.  She was a dedicated wife, mother, sister, and friend, continuously selfless and uplifting to others.  She was a bright light, exuding joy at all times which was infectious.  We will miss her unbounding love.

Mimi is survived by her husband John Legakis of Davis. stepson Justin Legakis and his wife Jessie of Los Altos, stepson Nathan Legakis and his wife Lesley of Winsor, daughter Allison Massopust and her husband Bo of San Francisco, Cara Snow and her husband Jim of Las Vegas, and son Paige Ponsford. In addition are her brother Marty, sister, Marilyn, and sister Carol, grandchildren, Abe, Jaina, Bode, Thomas, Wyatt, and Mackenzie.  Mimi was preceded in death by her parents, Gustav and Ethel Schramm and brother Mark Schramm.

Thank you to all friends and family for reaching out and for your support.  We will be dedicating a memorial bench on the city of Davis North Davis Greenbelt.