Fotini (Stratakos) Roussos passed away at her home on March 3, 2025, in the warm embrace of her family, at the age of 98.

Fotini is survived by her sister, Potoula (“Betty”), children Aphrodite (son-in-law Keith), Leonidas and Eleni, grandson Dionysus, and cat Nike.

Fotini, or “Foto” to her friends and family, began her odyssey in the small Greek town of Dafni, Sparta, born on November 14, 1926, where she grew up with her close-knit family, sister Potoula (“Betty”) and two brothers — Leonidas (“Loni”) and Harili.

In the late 1950s, Fotini’s sense of adventure, as well as the immeasurable depth of her sisterly bond, led her to Canada. After a brief visit she returned to Greece before once again crossing the Atlantic aboard the Queen Frederica, landing in Halifax’s Pier 21 and returning to Toronto — this time to remain and accompanied by her husband, Petros. She would initially find work as a seamstress in a Toronto’s bustling textile industry.

Affectionately dubbed “The Dutchess,” Fotini was thrust into the role of matriarch in 1972 after a work-related accident rendered her husband unable to continue working. From this point on, she assumed additional responsibilities while raising her children and caring for her husband, whose untimely passing occurred in 1993. She navigated these challenges, true to her Spartan heritage, with courage, a fierce sense of loyalty to her tribe of family and friends and always with a light touch, a song on her lips, common sense advice or a kind word when required.

Her family later moved from Toronto’s 343 Harbord St. to Richmond Hill, where she settled comfortably and made a home for over 30 years.

In 2019 she suffered a heart attack that she was not expected to survive. Foto, defying the odds, lived a further six years with every ounce of dignity and devotion all the while continuing her selfless care for those around her.

Fotini’s legacy is one of love, endurance and service to the countless many that were fortunate to have known her. An examined life of curiosity and fearlessness.

Her presence will be missed; her influence everlasting.