It is with great sadness and much love that we announce the passing of our beloved mother Sophie Ilias (nee Ricalis) on December 1, 2024, at the age of 90. Sophie passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones. Loving wife of the late Dimitrios Ilias (2001), cherished mother to Mary (Gary), Helen (Bobby), and Nick. Proud and adored Baba to Granddaughter Brittney (Daniel), and Clapping Baba to her precious Great Granddaughter Ilaiya. Dearest sister of Dimitri (Rhoda), Shena (Tom), Lena (Sam), Goula (Kotcho), and Pandora (Bill). Survived by many nieces, nephews and extended family.

Sophie (Evmorfia) was born on August 20, 1934 in Banitsa (Florina), Greece, to Maroushka (Maria) and Argirios Ricalis. Her and Dmitrios wed in 1955 and journeyed to Canada on the ship Olympia in 1956 to join extended family, begin their new life together, and create their own family here in Canada, a country she was proud to call home. They welcomed over 18 families and village friends, who also immigrated to Canada, into their home throughout the years, always having open arms and an open door. They would share beautiful stories of how they all lived together and shared their lives. It goes without saying, anyone who ever had the pleasure of knowing Sophie, knows she was an angel here on earth. She was the most positive, kind hearted, and loving person many of us will have ever met. Knowing her, and one of her many sayings, has made us all a better person. She taught us not to judge others, to enjoy the simple things in life, and to “keep going”, which she proved to do time and time again. A saying she always used to say was “It’s okay if someone doesn’t say hello back to you, maybe they were having a bad day, maybe they didn’t hear you”. This goes to show her caring and accepting nature that she instilled in us all. She would proudly say “without education”, about all that she knew and the lessons she would teach us. An avid leafs fan, she never missed a game, crossing all of her fingers and praying for a win, and saying “heartbreaking” if they didn’t. If a referee made a bad call in a Blue Jays game, she would say “Cheaty Umpire”. She had a great sense of humour matched with a quick wit.

Sophie was a strong wise woman, who loved and was loved deeply. She will be greatly missed by all of us, but will forever be in our hearts.