In memory of
Athena Johnston
June 20, 1927 - November 4, 2024
Athena passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, November 4, 2024, at the age of 97. Cherished and loving wife of William (deceased) for 72 years, devoted mother to Joanne (Donald) and Karen (Adrian), proud and loving grandmother to Alana (Eric), Andrea (Adam), Lauren (James) and Lisen (Zahid) and dearest great-grandmother to Ethan, Marshall, Ella, Ashley, Alexandra, Amelia, Oscar, Sami and Odin. Born in Toronto on June 20, 1927, Athena was the daughter of the late Christos and Alexandra Manis and sister of the late Anthony, George and Martha. She will be fondly remembered by her sisters-in-law Barbara, and Margaret. Athena was predeceased by her sister-in-law Catherine and will be sadly missed by her many nieces, nephews, family friends and neighbours.
Athena was the first child of immigrant Greek parents and was part of the Greek diaspora in Toronto. Athena and William (Tena and Bill) met at a Greek church dance, fell in love, and had an amazingly wonderful life together. As founding members of All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, the church played an important role in their lives. In early years, Athena was a member of the Daughter’s of Penelope and later joined the Ladies of Philoptochos and also served on their board. As well, Athena spent many decades as an active choir member.
Athena was a skilled seamstress and had a passion for collecting cookbooks and whipping up delicious gourmet meals and desserts. Euchre and bridge games were a favoured past time, as was summering in the Muskoka’s with her family.
Athena adored her daughters and was a guiding force to them throughout her life. Athena loved her granddaughters and spent countless hours with them over the years at the cottage, on road trips down east and at their homes.
William and Athena had three loving pets during their life together, all white poodles who were also important family members, especially their last pet, a toy poodle named Hioni. The family would like to thank Sunrise of Erin Mills for their care and compassion over the past four years.
A family service will be held on November 18th at Pine Hills Cemetery and Funeral Home. If desired, donations may be made to All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, 3125 Bayview Ave N, North York or to the charity of your choice.
Athena was the first child of immigrant Greek parents and was part of the Greek diaspora in Toronto. Athena and William (Tena and Bill) met at a Greek church dance, fell in love, and had an amazingly wonderful life together. As founding members of All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, the church played an important role in their lives. In early years, Athena was a member of the Daughter’s of Penelope and later joined the Ladies of Philoptochos and also served on their board. As well, Athena spent many decades as an active choir member.
Athena was a skilled seamstress and had a passion for collecting cookbooks and whipping up delicious gourmet meals and desserts. Euchre and bridge games were a favoured past time, as was summering in the Muskoka’s with her family.
Athena adored her daughters and was a guiding force to them throughout her life. Athena loved her granddaughters and spent countless hours with them over the years at the cottage, on road trips down east and at their homes.
William and Athena had three loving pets during their life together, all white poodles who were also important family members, especially their last pet, a toy poodle named Hioni. The family would like to thank Sunrise of Erin Mills for their care and compassion over the past four years.
A family service will be held on November 18th at Pine Hills Cemetery and Funeral Home. If desired, donations may be made to All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, 3125 Bayview Ave N, North York or to the charity of your choice.