Obituary of Theodora Koutris
In Loving memory of Theodora Koutris.
Our sweet, lovable Mom and Yiayia fell asleep in the Lord at home with all her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren by her side on October 19th 2024 in her 101 year.
Born in a small village in Anemodouri, Arkadia Greece on November 21st 1923 to parents Ioannis and Ekaterina Papadopoulos. Growing up in her village she was always a joyful and carefree child with many friends filling her days with laughter and joy. She attended grammar school up to grade six and like all children in the village as she grew older, she took on the responsibility of helping on the family farm. At the age of 22 years old she married her loving husband Cristos who was from the same village, and together continued working on the farm while raising their two young children Toula and John. Farm work was hard, and this was not the future she has envisioned for her children. With her husband they took a leap of faith in 1959 leaving her family and beautiful village behind and moved to Nova Scotia, Canada in search of a better life for their children.
After seven years of hard work they eventually made their permanent home in St Catharines where they continued to work hard for their family. Here in St Catharines, she met many people who she grew to love and who loved her back. She always embraced everyone with kindness and always had a thoughtful word to share. Theodora’s dream came true when her children grew and married, blessing her with three grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
Theodora was a beautiful soul inside and out. She was a generous person and did everything she could for her family. Nothing made her smile more than seeing her family happy and together. She helped raise her three grandchildren and continued on to raise her seven great grandchildren and watched them grow every step of the way. She was always cooking fresh food and fresh loaves of bread ready to eat as soon as everyone was over. She always had a song to sing and a story to tell. Whether it involved dancing with them, braiding their hair or picking them up from school, her greatest joy was spending every moment with her great grandchildren. Theodora’s longevity can be attributed to her truly incredible lifestyle. A simple and humble person, Theodora dedicated her life to her loving grandchildren and great grandchildren. Theodora was a much-loved member of the Greek Orthodox Church of St Catharines and centered her life around her faith. She had nothing but love for the people in her community and always had a kind word to say.
We would like to thank Dr. Boychuk for her excellent care, also shown by her incredible caregivers, Antoinette, Rachel, Paul, Helen, Bindu, Charlie, Jackie, Amanda, Chessi and all the rest of the care team that helped her during her time of need. A special thank you to Vasso who looked after her and shared countless stories together throughout the years. A very special thank you to Nora, her guardian angel, who was at our mothers side day and night with love and compassion. Nora always cared for her as her own and was always holding her hand up until her last breath. Theodora is survived by her loving and devoted children Toula (Louis) Dritsacos, John (Dina) Koutris, loving Yiayia of Rick (Gianna) Dritsacos, Stacey (Peter) Lalos, Dora Koutris, and loving Great Yiayia of Stavros, Felicia, Demetra, Elias-Cristos, Theodora-Maria, Ilias, and Constantinos, along with many nieces, nephews, brother and sister in laws. Theodora was predeceased by her husband Cristos in 2010 and her sister Dina in 2004.
Theodora is resting at the George Darte Funeral Home 585 Carlton Street, St. Catharines. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 23rd, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The Thrice Holy Hymn Service/Trisagio will occur on Wednesday, October 23rd, at 7:30 PM at the funeral home. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 24th at 11:00 AM at St. Katharine's Greek Orthodox Church, 585 Niagara St, followed by interment at Victoria Lawn Cemetery.
In memory of Theodora, donations can be made to St Katharine’s Greek Orthodox Church.