Evangeline Dontsos (nee Rissis) passed away peacefully and surrounded by her loving family on November 2, 2018 at the Hellenic Home for the Aged in Scarborough, Ontario at the age of 91 following a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Evangeline was predeceased by her beloved husband, Konstantine Dontsos. She is survived by children Sofie (John), Tom (Allison) and Mary (Jim), grandchildren Jeff (Jennifer), Tina (Derek), Katie, Conor (Cory), Fiona (Carolyn) and Emily (Marc) and great-grandchildren Aidan, Dylan, Joey, Betty and Luke.

Born on June 3, 1927 in the small Macedonian village of Skopia, Florina, Greece, Evangeline left behind everything she knew and braved a long journey at sea with two young children to bring her family to Canada in 1953, where she joined her husband after two years apart. First arriving in the Cabbagetown area of Toronto alongside countless other Macedonian families who migrated from Greece in the mid-20th century, the family then settled in East York in 1958, where Evangeline and Konstantine had their third child and worked hard to establish a new life. Known for their love of parties, picnics, dancing, music and good food that often used ingredients from the large vegetable gardens they maintained, the family became central figures in Toronto’s Macedonian community and were always surrounded by their loved ones. Later in life, she was known for her gentle nature and her enduring dedication to her family – and, of course, her cooking.

At the Hellenic Home for the Aged, where she was a resident for 11 years, Evangeline was beloved by staff and residents alike – all of whom she lovingly referred to as “bebche.” The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the medical and administrative staff of the Hellenic Home for the love and care they showed our Mom and Baba over the years, and especially in her final days.

The visitation, funeral service and burial will take place at Pine Hills Cemetery & Visitation Centre at 625 Birchmount Road in Scarborough on Wednesday, November 7 beginning at 11 a.m. The service will be followed by a reception.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations made in Evangeline’s name to the Hellenic Home for the Aged (Scarborough).