In memory of

Vasiliki Lapoussis

August 5, 1932 -  June 26, 2020

Passed away peacefully, at Lakeridge Health Ajax surrounded by the love of her family on the 26th of June 2020. Cherished wife of Dimitrius "Jimmy" for over 60 years; adored and loved mother of George (Jennifer), Peter (Stephanie) and Agapi "Abbey" (Dave). Beloved Yiayia of Jacob, Dimitrius "Jamie", Shandel & Alexzandria. Vasiliki was born on the outskirts of Sparta, Greece in 1932, immigrated to Canada in 1955 and married in 1960. She will be dearly missed by her two surviving sisters, Panayiota “Pota” and Eleni “Helen” and by her many extended family members and friends from around the world. She will be forever remembered for her love of travel, fashion, cooking and gardening. Vasiliki had the eternal strength of a true Spartan Warrior but was forever known as a kind and gentle woman who put family and friends first. The family wish to extend their appreciation to the caring and compassionate nursing staff of Lakeridge Health Ajax for the kindness and professionalism shown to Vasiliki and her family. Arrangements entrusted to THORNTON CEMETERY & FUNERAL CENTRE 1200 Thornton Road North, Oshawa, (South of Taunton Road and off of Dryden Blvd, 905-579-6787).

Guestbook 

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Jean and Bryan Gyene (Aunt/Thea)

Entered June 27, 2020 from Aurora, Ontario

Memories of Aunt Bessie's life will never leave us.
she was a strong woman, very stylish and liked to live life to the fullest! A lesson we will strive to emulate. We are truly sorry for your loss. Rest in peace Thea.

Agapi Robinson (Daughter)

Entered June 28, 2020 from Port Dalhousie, Ontario

You will be forever missed! So happy we got to travel to many exotic destinations and experience each other not only as a mother/daughter relationship but also as friends.
Thank you for all your unconditional love you showered on me and Dave. Forever in my heart and memories and until we meet again, I will look to the heavens to feel your glorious soul radiate down on me. Love you Mama.

Bernadette MacNeil (My brother in laws Mother)

Entered June 28, 2020 from Millbrook

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Bessie.
Lance and I are sending prayers of love and support to the Lapoussis family during this difficult time.
Bessie was a sweet lady and an amazing cook!
She will be dearly missed by many.
Bernadette and Lance

Gerrie Gyene (Bryan's mother/friend)

Entered June 28, 2020 from North Bay Ontario

My deepest condolences to you Jimmy and your family.

Lynn Robinson (Son in law’s sister.)

Entered June 28, 2020 from Hampshire, UK

Met Bessie just before Abbeys’ marriage to my brother Dave. She was so welcoming and warm hearted. A funny, smart and generous lady, who made the most amazing Greek desserts. A very big part of Abbey and Daves’ lives and she will be missed greatly by all her family. Rest in peace Bessie xxxx

Life Stories 

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Lori Martin (Family Friend)

Entered July 2, 2020

Becoming Greek
I come from a typical Canadian background — English and Irish. We eat meat and potatoes and still recognize Royalty as a valid ruling system. As I grew up, I wasn‘t aware that I was slowly becoming Greek. The full extent of that transition hit me almost 50 years later. I was part of a big Greek family!

It started when I was 7 years old and had moved to a new town. Across the street was — what I would later find out — a traditional Greek family with two boys and a girl my age. The girl’s mother nudged her to go meet the new girl across the street. That started a friendship and a sisterhood that would last a lifetime.

Through the years we were inseparable — basketball in the driveway, listening to records in the basement, playing street games and running back and forth across the street between our pools. My pool was warmer, but hers was bigger with a diving board. We did water handstands for hours and then laid down on the hot driveway on top of our towels to dry off.

We went to high school together and later the same college. We were never far apart and shared secrets about dreams and the boys we liked. Her parents were kind and welcoming to me and her older brothers treated us both as bratty little sisters. The family engulfed me into their big Greek family, their cousins became my cousins, their extended family became my extended family.

As we got older, our lives began to change although we could still play cribbage for hours. There were many many card and game nights at her (our) brother’s homes: canasta, Pictionary; and of course dressing up in funny costumes and dancing around, annoying the boys playing poker. Every New Years, every special event, I was part of their celebrations..

My friend later moved far away after gettimg married. We didnt see each other often, but our connection never faltered. We were connected like only family can be.

My dear friend recently lost her mother, a woman who raised her into a beautiful person and shaped my understanding of cultures and family.

I was invited to her funeral, a small family group of special invitees. Not only was I humbled and honored to be singled out as family and an honorary Greek, but after years apart, I knew the entire family and my presence was natural. I chatted with brothers, sisters, cousins as if no time had passed, The memories of times with each came back to me like a warm blanket.

My friend’s pain was heartbreaking and when a little squeek, “mommy” came from her at her mom’s casket, I was suddenly back to our years living across the street from each other. She was the same as always and I was her true Greek sister.

Photos 

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