Constantina (Dena) Antonopoulos, nee Boshis was born in Kratero Florina Greece on November 29, 1938. Dena and was the eldest of 4 children, born to Stavros and Helen Boshis, eldest sister to Lena, Zisis and Jim. The year was 1950 and Dena, at the ripe age of 10 and mature beyond her years, left her birthplace in Greece. Dena started her long journey to Canada along with her grandmother at her side and two other older women that were in her care. Arriving safely in Canada at pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia a train ride to Union Station and her life began anew.
Dena, a beautiful young women herself, used to set up her friends with this handsome young man, all the while not knowing that that man would one day be the love of her life. On May 18, 1958, 60 years ago, Thomas Antonopoulos and Dena made it official and the rest was absolute blissful history. The two had 4 children of their own, Jim, John, Bessie and Helen all of whom are married and have families of their own.
Dena was a loving wife, caring mother and very proud, doting grandmother, who raised her children and cared very deeply for her grandchildren. She never missed an opportunity to see her grandkids playing sports, school performances, dance recitals or various special occasions where she could cheer proudly and point out to anyone that would listen, “that’s my Grandchild”. She worked hard at every task that came before her. After retirement, with her husband by her side, the two together did what most could only hope to achieve, and that was to live a life that dreams are made of filled with love, laughter, dancing, family, friends and travel.
Dena’s battle with cancer started just about 3 years ago, She fought a good fight, “one of the best patients we have ever seen” one nurse said, “toughest I’ve seen” one of her doctors said, “an absolute pleasure to deal with” another said. In her final time here with us she did finally succumb to her ailment. She was blessed with an amazing family that were all by her side all the way to the very end. Surrounded by her husband and 4 children, she closed her eyes one last time. May she rest in peace and her memory be forever eternal.
