Our mother, Evanthia Kotis, was born on November 30, 1936, in the Achaia suburb of Patra, Greece. She was the eldest of five children, and from a very young age she learned responsibility, sacrifice, and love for family.

At just twelve years old, she left home and went to Athens to learn sewing, working hard to pay for her own schooling. Even then, she showed the heart that would define her life — a love of learning, a love of books, and a deep love of serving others. She cared tenderly for an elderly woman, reading to her for hours, never seeing service as a burden, but as a blessing.

She married my father, Athanasios — Thanasi — Kotis, and together they built a life rooted in faith and hard work. They came to Canada and started a cleaning business, working side by side to provide for our family. Later, my father was called to the priesthood, becoming Father Antonio, and together they moved to Memphis, Tennessee. My mother embraced the life of a presvytera with humility, strength, and quiet devotion.

They were blessed with three children — Marko, Constantinos, and myself, Fotini — and later with grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought her immense joy. Her love for her family was steady, selfless, and unconditional.

My mother lived simply. She worked hard. She prayed deeply. She loved without limits. She taught us not by words, but by how she lived her life.

We thank God for her, and we entrust her soul to His mercy, with hope in the Resurrection.

May her memory be eternal.
Αἰωνία ἡ μνήμη. 🙏

In Lieu of flowers, donations in Evanthia memory can be made to St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church.
stnektariosgreekorthodoxchurch@gmail.com