Elizabeth Balatsas was born in Galatsi, Romania, on the 15th of December 1927. Predeceased by her parents Prodromos and Dominiki, and her brother Miltiadis. Her parents were immigrants from Asia Minor and the island of Marmaras.
In the 1930s, her family moved to Piraeus, Greece where at the age of 19 Elizabeth met her future husband, Leonidas Balatsas, and she remained by his side for 61 years up until his passing in 2007.
In 1954 Elizabeth and Leo moved to Canada and were married that same year in Regina, Saskatchewan. From there they moved to Kitimat, BC and they finally settled in Vancouver, BC in the early 60s. During these years their two daughters, Eleni & Nikki were born.
Upon arriving in Vancouver, like most Greek immigrants, the couple immersed themselves in the Greek Community. Elizabeth was a 50+ year member of the Daughters of Penelope, and she served all Executive positions of the Vancouver Chapter including President and later on, the first District #26 Governor.
Elizabeth was also sworn into the Girl Guides of Canada as a Leader, when her daughters were involved with the association. Always willing to help out, she once volunteered to keep over 500 cases of Girl Guide cookies in the first floor of her home at a time when there was nowhere else to store them.
Elizabeth also became an Advisor for the "Maids of Athena" and often hosted sleep overs or parties in her home and travelled out of town with the girls of the group for various events and activities.
Apart from her years of volunteer work, Elizabeth was the perfect hostess. Friends and family knew they were always welcome into her home at any hour of the day or night. Every Easter, the lamb roast party was held in her backyard and for fun, a summer BBQ lamb party often took place, as well. Friends were always dropping by for a good cup of Greek coffee and a great chat session. There were times that she was awoken at 2:00 am by friends for that last nightcap because they knew she, along with Leonidas, would graciously open the door & make them feel welcome. Throughout the years, many, many times her dinner table had a last minute additional plus “one”; for someone who needed a warm, home cooked meal or just conversation. This especially held true during the holiday season.
Elizabeth was a proud, confident woman who was known to give logical and sound advice. She was an intelligent and strong willed individual, but always fair and very caring. She was credited by all that were close to her as being a true friend.
Anyone that knew her well considered her the ultimate organizer. So much so, that around 3-4 years ago she phoned up the funeral home and said that she wanted to organize her 'going away party', and then proceeded to do just that.
Her other two loves were her grandchildren, Dimitri and Elissa. Elizabeth was extremely proud of them both and her face would light up when talking about their accomplishments with her friends.
Elizabeth had 93 good, long, healthy years of life, but in the end she was tired and ready to leave to join her husband. She had accomplished all that she could and had no more strength left to continue. Lately she would sometimes say, 'My candle is about to burn out'. (Μέχρι εδώ ήταν το καντηλάκι μου).
Survived by her children, Eleni and Nikki (Dennis) and grandchildren Dimitri and Elissa, Elizabeth will be sorely missed.
Due to the Provincial Health Orders a closed funeral will be held at St. George’s Greek Orthodox Cathedral and a burial will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery. The family hopes in 2022 to host at the one year anniversary, a Celebration of Life and provide our beloved mother the proper send off she deserves.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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