A steadfast bright shining light, our dearest Eleni Athanasoulas (nee Pilianidou), is now with God. We sadly announce her passing at her home in Richmond Hill, on Saturday, December 31, 2022, age 87. Beloved mama to her dearest, departed much too soon son George (Paula), and to Stephanos and Maria (Bill). Devoted loving yiayia to Liam, George, Pavlo and Barbara. She will be sadly missed by her sisters and brother, Olympia (Tony), Tassoula (Christos) and Elias (Polixeni), their families, her former husband Dimitrios, and many extended relatives and friends. Predeceased by her parents Stephanos and Maria, her sisters Elizabet (Socrates) and Basiliki (Yianni).

Born August 15, 1935 in Pontokomi, Kozani, Greece, Eleni was a proud Pontian Greek. As a young adult, she left Greece to work in Munich, Germany where she married and gave birth to her eldest son. Life eventually brought the small family to Canada, where they settled in the west end of Toronto. Now with three children, Eleni continued to pursue her education as a bookkeeper and banker, over the years working in both fields. Engaged in volunteerism, Eleni was well known at Church and in the Greek, Kozani, and Pontic communities of Toronto, Richmond Hill and Markham.

Eleni’s passion was her children, grandchildren and extended family. She loved to gather with everyone to cook traditional Pontian dishes, embracing and sharing all time-honoured Greek customs. She loved to dance, and hear her children sing. A deeply devoted mother and yiayia, she attended all school and community celebrations, made the most out of every holiday, and saw all three of her children through multiple university degrees. Every niece and nephew were her own, and Greece remained a beloved destination in her heart. Eleni was the most avid gardener, winning awards for her beautifully cultivated flowers and gardens around her and her children's homes. Greek and Pontian through and through, she shared her love, music, knowledge and customs with anyone willing to listen. Bonded in life and death with her parents and siblings, Eleni never forgot her roots and those that were there for her in her life. She lived, laughed, loved and will never be forgotten by those that she touched. Forever in our hearts, Eleni will remain.

Family and friends will gather at Elgin Mills Funeral Centre, 1591 Elgin Mills Rd E, Richmond Hill, for the visitation on Thursday, January 5, 2023 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

The Funeral Service will be celebrated Friday, January 6, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Saints Panteleimon, Anna & Paraskevi Greek Orthodox Church, 11323 Warden Avenue, Markham. After the interment at Elgin Mills Cemetery, a memorial meal will be served in the Church’s lower hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Saints Panteleimon, Anna & Paraskevi Greek Orthodox Church: https://gocmarkham.com/donations