DEMETRA MATTHEOS (MATTHEWS) -

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DEMETRA MATTHEOS (MATTHEWS) 1905 - 2004 With her family at her side, Demetra Mattheos passed away peacefully at the age of 99 on November 6, 2004 at 4:30 a.m. She was born Demetra Koutsoyianis on October 10, 1905 in Varvitsa, Greece. She married Sarantos Mattheos in 1928 and together raised five children. In 1962 her beloved husband passed away after 34 years of marriage and the following year she immigrated to Winnipeg at the age of 58, with her youngest son Stelio, to be joyfully reunited with her other children who had immigrated before her. Demetra was the proud grandmother of 17 grandchildren, five of which were named after her, and 18 great-grandchildren. She enjoyed social gatherings and spending time with her large family where she had many opportunities to tell stories and sing songs from the village. She will always be remembered for her sharp sense of humour and zest for life. In Greece, Demetra lived in two villages, Varvitsa on Mount Parnonas and Scoura in the Evrotas Valley. Every winter and summer Demetra, along with her fellow villagers, made the nine hour walk between the two villages, following the grazing pattern of their livestock. She was raised during a time when everyone grew their own food and water was gathered from fresh water springs in the mountains. She survived three wars and raised her children during a difficult epoch yet remained proud of her roots. After immigrating to Canada, Demetra enjoyed visiting her home in Greece until she was unable to travel. She was predeceased by her parents, Stelio and Ligeri; stepmother Kanella; husband Sarantos; brothers, Nikos and Yianni; sisters, Yiorgia and Sophia; son Yiorgos; and grandson Sarantos. She is survived by her five children, Maria (Peter), Ted (Maria), George (Joan), John (Pepi) and Steve (Nikoletta) brother Zoe; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews who she loved dearly. Mana ke Yiayia Ta hronia sou nahoume Tin efhi sou nahoume Se ayapoume poli kai tha se thimomaste yia panta Kalo taxithi The family would like to thank the staff at West Park Manor Personal Care Home. A prayer service will be held at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church on Tuesday, November 9 at 7:00 p.m. with Fr. Gianniou officiating. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 10 at 2:00 p.m. also at the church. Pallbearers, Steve Mikos, Sarantos Mattheos (Ted), Sarantos Mattheos (George), Pavlo Mattheos, Nick Mattheos, Sarantos Mattheos (Steve), Vasili Mattheos. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Demetras memory to St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church. Arrangements entrusted to: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 09, 2004