SOFIA THEODOROU

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SOFIA THEODOROU Peacefully, on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at River Park Gardens, Sofia Theodorou passed away at the age of 80 years. She is survived by her husband Apostolos, three children, Nestor, Athanasios-Tom, Maria (Dan), daughter-in-law Wendy, her four beautiful grandchildren, Sophie, Grace, Zoe and Louka, her brother Alex and her sister Katina. She was predeceased by her brothers Petros and Spiros, and her granddaughter Annabel. Sofia was born to Maria and Christophoros Kalogriopoulos in the town of Kertezi, Greece, where she spent her childhood and early adulthood. Helping with life on their small family farm, it was here that she developed a deep love for gardening and caring for animals, two passions she maintained her entire life. In 1960, she took a bold step by moving to Montreal to start a new adventure in a brand new world. She spent the next three years as a nanny, bringing joy and comfort to the families she worked with, especially the children. In 1963 she met and married Apostolos and together they raised their family in Montreal, Thompson, and then Winnipeg. Sofia enjoyed being active in the Greek community, where she had many wonderful lifelong friends. She would embrace their families as if they were her own. She also enjoyed meeting people from all walks of life welcoming them with open arms, a bright smile, and more often than not, a plate of delicious Spanakopita. Her lifelong passion was raising and nurturing her three children, and sharing her wonderful stories, jokes and words of wisdom with her grandchildren when she became a Yia Yia. She adored them and cherished every opportunity she had with them. They in turn deeply loved their Yia Yia. Everyone who knew Sofia was inspired by her strength, courage and zest for living. Despite what life may have thrown at her, she always found it easy to laugh and lived every day with the impish enthusiasm of a child. She loved to make people smile; even if occasionally it was at their own expense. She would light up a room when she walked in and was always happiest around family and friends. Sofia will be greatly missed by those who knew her. The family wishes to thank all her friends and visitors, as well as the Staff at River Park Gardens for their warmth, dedication and caring for Koukla over the last couple of years. She too, is also incredibly grateful. Prayers will be held at 7:00 p.m. Sunday, December 11 at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 2255 Grant Avenue. The Funeral service will be held on Monday, December 12 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church with Rev. Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos presiding. Interment will follow at St. Vital Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Sofia's memory to the Canadian Diabetes Association.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 10, 2011