PANAYIOTA TSOURAS

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PANAYIOTA TSOURAS (nee GROUMOUTIS) April 15, 1922 - September 10, 2015 With deepest sadness we announce the passing of our dear mother and grandmother, Panayiota Tsouras. "Yia Yia" passed away on Thursday, September 10, 2015, at the age of 93. Yia Yia was predeceased by her husband John and her brother Triandafilo. She will greatly be missed by her sons, George (Linda), Gus (Barbara) and Leo (Freda) and her loving daughter Mary, who tirelessly devoted in caring for mom. Grandchildren, Jennifer, Jonathan, John, Jackelyn, Adam (Melanie), Gianni, Dano and Kosta; her brother Demetri (Antigoni); nephews, Leo and George; and nieces, Susan Fedoruk and Susan Danos, as well as many cherished cousins and relatives in Vancouver, Philadelphia and Greece. Mom will be sadly missed by numerous other relatives and dear friends. A special thanks to Nitsa Illiopoulos who continued devoted visits to mom till the end and saw mom as her own mother. Mom was born in Panayitsa, Greece. She married Dad in 1950. In 1957, Dad left for Winnipeg to start a new life for his wife and young family. In 1958, Mom followed Dad to Winnipeg uncertain of what laid before them. With her four children who ranged from 14 months to seven years old, she ventured by boat from Athens to Halifax and then by train to Winnipeg, without any knowledge of the English language. Mom bravely made this odyssey to join her husband in this new life, leaving her own family behind, never knowing if she would ever see them again. Mom was a hard worker and worked as a sewing machine operator for 25 years. She worked tirelessly and raised the children for the first seven years alone, while Dad worked in the Inco mines in Thompson to provide for the family. Mom was a devoted wife, mother and Yia Yia, who was passionately devoted to her family and made our house a home. Full of memories and love, we never went without. She taught us values, respect and a work ethic that has embodied our lives. Through her whole life, Mom devoted her life to giving to her community and her church. Mom was embodied to her faith. She rarely missed her Sunday service. Even in her later frail years, she would fast and believed that her faith in God would provide for her. Mom was a tireless supporter and volunteer at the church, the Greek Pavilion at Folkorama and the Ladies Philotochos. Prayers will be held on Tuesday, September 15 at 7:00 p.m. and funeral service will take place Wednesday, September 16 at 11:00 a.m., both at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 2255 Grant Avenue with Father Kosta officiating. Interment will follow at Brookside Cemetery. Pallbearers will be grandsons, Adam Tsouras, Dano Tsouras, Gianni Tsouras, Kosta Varstakis and nephews, Leo and George Groumoutis. The family would like to thank the staff of the 5th floor, Misericordia Hospital and the WestPark Manor for their compassion and attentive care given to our mother. In lieu of flowers, we ask that a donation be made in her memory to the Hellenic Cultural Centre at 2255 Grant Avenue. The family wishes to thank our friends for their visits, compassion and support during these difficult times and our time of need. Mom, you accomplished your goals through your hard work, your wisdom and values you taught us well. You have left a void in our lives, but we know that now you will rest well in God's hands without pain. Love you Mom, always missed never forgotten. Rest in Peace.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 12, 2015