Athanasia Athanas

She was the eldest of three children born to her parents George and Eleni Skentzos on July 10, 1926 in Drosato, Doritos, Greece.

From an early age, and while working hard, long days along side her parents, Athanasia always had aspirations of living a cosmopolitan life abroad.

She married John Athanas in 1952 and a year later they welcomed their daughter Vicky into the world. Not forgetting her dreams for a better life, Athanasia asked her brother Kosta (already living in Canada) to sponsor her and her family to join him. In 1954 Athanasia and family arrived in London, Ontario, where they lived alongside with her brother and his family. After three years, Athanasia and her family crossed Canada by rail to join her brother-in-law Demo in Kitimat, B.C. A few weeks later, due to no work opportunities, the family moved to Vancouver, B.C.

In Vancouver, Athanasia’s husband John, along with their koubaro opened up Nick’s Coffee Shop on Broadway and Heather. She worked tirelessly at the restaurant as well as at a service packing company for many years.

In 1965 the family decided to move to Greece permanently. However, after six months of living in Greece, Athanasia still longed for a Canadian life and the family returned to Vancouver. Athanasia and her husband John retired to Patras, Greece in 1985. Missing their daughter Vicky and her family, they moved back to Vancouver in 2003, where they lived the remaining years of their lives.

Athanasia had a very strong personality, she was opinionated, unselfish, courageous, never afraid to speak her mind, and an entertaining story teller. A loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend that will be greatly missed.

Athanasia is predeceased by her parents George and Eleni, her husband John, her brothers Kosta (Xeni) and Dimitri (Maria), and son-in-law Peter.

Left to mourn her passing, she is survived by her daughter Vicky, grandchildren Stacy (Alex), Lee (Haroula), great-grandchildren Dimitri, Peter, Panagioti, Eleftheria, nieces and nephews,

An amazing woman with a big heart that was always willing to help, putting others’ needs before her own.

Athanasia will forever be in our hearts and lovingly remembered.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MountPleasantFuneral.com for the ATHANAS family.