Athanasia (Eliopoulos) Manoukas. May 20, 1946 - June 14, 2023
John (Yianni) Manoukas. Dec 27, 1946 - June 18, 2023


Athanasia, lovingly known as Sia, passed away peacefully, after a brief illness, on June 14, 2023. Beloved wife of 53 years to John, and cherished mother to Mike and Artemis (Demetre). Doting grandmother to Harry, JP and Emilia, who were the centre of her universe. Adored aunt to John & George, Helen, Johnny, Marianna, Vivi and John. Godmother to Litsa, Antoni, Stephanie and Dimitri, and Great Aunt to many.


Born in Kaltezes, Arcadia, Greece, youngest daughter of the late Ioannis and Paraskevi Eliopoulos. Younger sister to Bill and Paul, Chrysoula and Ekaterini and older sister to Simon, she came to Canada in 1969 to start a new life working as a seamstress alongside her sisters.


John passed away suddenly on June 18, 2023, while mourning the loss of his beloved Sia. John was born in Skalochori, Lesvos, Greece, only son to Artemis and Emmanouel Manoukas. Yianni was raised with his cousins Ignatius and Bobby, and left home at the tender age of 15 to live in Athens with his Godmother Filio. He followed Ignatius by joining the merchant marines and travelling the world. He would often talk about his adventures in Brazil, Germany, Russia and everywhere in between. His travels brought him to Canada to start a new life in 1967.


It was here that Sia and Yianni met and fell in love, starting their family, and watching it grow over the years. Sia was always kind, generous and giving to everyone she came across and never met a stranger, calling everyone her friend. She always welcomed friends and family into her home with a huge smile, feeding her guests, and refusing to take no for an answer. You never left her home with an empty stomach or without leftovers and her front door was always open, rain or shine, to anyone who would stop by


Yianni was a great outdoorsman who loved spending time in nature with friends, hunting, fishing and gardening. Although an only child, he had a special bond with his “brother” Cole, and made friends quickly and easily with his joking manner and loving heart. He was always the first one to take photos and videos of special occasions and would be the last to leave any event in case someone needed a helping hand.


Sia loved to travel and would try new things without hesitation, always with a smile on her face. A highlight of her life was to travel to Jerusalem and get baptized in the River Jordan, with her Mother in Law and Goddaughter Litsa. Whether it was a short road trip with her family or a long vacation back home, she always packed gifts and snacks for everyone. Her garden was her pride and joy; she spent hours planting and tending to flowers and always offering fruits and vegetables to anyone who stopped by.


Yianni was known as the barbecue king and would take pleasure in feeding his guests even in the dead of winter. One fond family memory is that of Yianni shovelling his way to the grill during a snowstorm because he promised to barbecue for his guests. Together Sia and Yianni would host huge meals for friends and family and always had room at their table for “just one more person.” He was also very proud to be able to welcome loved ones to “his island” and was always thinking about ways to renovate the family home, making more space for friends from all over the world. He loved to share photos and videos of the island and would talk fondly of “life back home.” Together, they truly embodied the definition of Φιλότιμο.


Sia will be remembered for her joyful demeanour, her kind heart and her easy laughter. She was small but a force to be reckoned with, and loved her entire family (whether by birth or chosen) with her whole heart, giving generously and unconditionally. She will be missed by everyone who knew her, and will never be forgotten.


Yianni will be remembered for his sense of humour, his willingness to help others and his open and generous heart. His passing has left a huge hole in the lives of those who knew him and we can only take comfort in knowing they are together again.


One last time …. “Pame Yianni?”


We love you Babcha and Pops!


EONIA H MNHMH