Helen Karamalis (Diamantopoulou)

Beloved wife of Eugenios Karamalis—may his soul rest in peace—cherished mother of Amalia (Eric), Demetri (Elizabeth) and Stella (Shawn), devoted grandmother of Lauren, Alexander, and Theodore.

Born in Athens, Greece, one of four daughters, our mother came to Montreal, Canada in the early 1960s with her husband and her daughter, joining her twin sister Stella who had already emigrated.

In her early life, Eleni excelled in athletics particularly in swimming and running. She performed in the cultural arts demonstrating her talent and love for theatre, dance, and music. She loved to sing with her three sisters who together were nicknamed the “gramophonakia.” While living in Kalamata, Eleni met her husband, graduated from the School of Commerce, and enjoyed countless adventures with her dear friends. She often shared her experiences with us, and we loved to hear her stories.

Our mother was known for her tireless work ethic, her contributions in the community, and her love and generosity towards others. She volunteered for our schools, giving cooking and sewing classes in her own apartment, and helping students prepare for plays and musical performances. She was a member of the St. George Philoptochos, and the Hellenic Ladies Benevolent Society where she often devoted her time for fundraising and charitable activities. Not only did our mother serve the Greek community, but she also took pride in it and enjoyed the social aspect of it. Over the years, she made friends who shared her values and with whom she formed everlasting bonds.

Her most cherished activity within the community took place at the St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, where she was a member of the choir led by Father Panayiotis Salatellis. During Easter services, we could recognize our mother’s “alto” voice singing in the choir regardless of where we were seated. It was a joy to hear her sing!

Not only was our mother known and loved in the community for her volunteer work, but she was also known for her enthusiasm and “philoxenia” (hospitality) at her place of work, Parthenon restaurant in the district of Cote-des-Neiges. Customers knew her as Helen, they were always greeted with a huge smile and warm welcome during the twenty plus years she worked there as a hostess/waitress.

Like other mothers of her generation within her circle of friends, she instilled in her children the values of respect, honesty, generosity, and integrity. Despite the hardships she encountered throughout her life, Eleni was resilient and devoted to her family, their happiness and well-being. Our mother had a full life that was well-lived and we will miss her immensely.

May her memory be eternal.

For those who wish to honour her memory, the family invites visitors to make a donation in our mother’s name to St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, in lieu of flowers.

Donations may be made through the cathedral’s website at the link below:

https://hcgm.org/donate/st-george