Eleni "Helen" Demestihas

“Τη ευτυχια που ειχαμε σε αυτο το φτωχο τραπεζι.” Ελενη Δεμεστιχα

We are saddened to share the passing of Eleni (Georgakakos) Demestihas at 100 years old, in Halifax, N.S. She died peacefully at home, surrounded by family. She was well known for her “kalosini” and inherent kindness. To her family, she was everything- a soft place to land, an unwavering source of support, a fierce protector, and a firm believer that anything was possible with hard work. She believed most problems could be solved over a cup of Greek coffee and a koulouraki.

Eleni was born on September 24, 1924, to Giorgios and Kondylo (Moniou) Georgakakos in the seaside town of Mavrovouni, Greece. Eleni grew up helping her father, Giorgo, take care of his olive groves, cotton fields, and grape vines with her five siblings (Mitso, Panagioti, Dina, Konstandino, and Maria). Eleni married Vasilios Demestihas, and they worked the land and raised their five children- Margarita, Bobby, Kondylo, Georgia, and Maria. At the age of 40, she followed her brother, Konstandino (Gus) Georgakakos, and his wife, Maria, to Halifax, Nova Scotia, in pursuit of a better life for her family. She started working at Koolex Kleaners before opening the Chantclair Restaurant with her husband on Spring Garden Road, where, legend has it, they made the best pizza in town for 27 years. For her, food was love. Cooking for her family and baking with her grandchildren brought her endless joy. Her hands were never idle; if she wasn’t stirring a pot or rocking a baby, she could be found on the couch crocheting beautiful blankets for each of her grandchildren. Her life lessons and stories from Greece left an unforgettable mark on all of us, instilling a deep sense of family values that will live on for generations.

A few years ago, Eleni asked us to share a few parting words: “Thank you to my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren for your love. You are my greatest blessing. Never forget that you are loved.”

We are forever grateful for every moment we shared with her. She will be in our thoughts whenever we make Greek coffee for a friend, bake koulourakia, bless a family meal or extend a helping hand to a stranger.

Eleni is survived by her children:

● Margarita (Lambros deceased) Kontostergios. Grandchildren: Alexia (Stefano), Vasili, Eleni (Petros). Great-grandchildren: Giorgos, Lambros, Lambros, Fotis, Giorgos Panagiotis.

● Bobby (deceased) and Maria Demestihas. Grandchildren: Billy (Natalie), Johnny (Deanne), Helen. Great-grandchildren: Dylan, Labi, Noah, Elena, Nicholas.

● Kondylo (Spyros) Karteroulis. Grandchildren: Stacey (Stavros), Eleni (Ilias), Maria (Panagiotis), Konstantina (Kostas). Great-grandchildren: Giannis, Spyros, Nikolas, Spyridonas, Illianna.

● Georgia (Jimmy) Georgantas. Grandchildren: Natasha (Brad), Nick, Vickie (Billy).

Great-grandchildren: James, Lily, Demetri, Nathaniel, Louka, Jorja, Aris, Amelia.

● Maria (Bill) Zelios. Grandchildren: Joanne (Tom), Eleni. Great-grandchild: Maria.

Visitation will be held Sunday, April 6, at JA Snow Funeral Home from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at 339 Lacewood Drive. The funeral service will be held at St. George's Greek Orthodox Church on Monday, April 7, at 1:00 p.m. with Father Panagiotis Marapoulos officiating. Burial to follow in Fairview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. George’s Greek Orthodox Community Extension Fund via e-transfer [email protected] or to the Alzheimer Society of Canada.

May her memory be eternal.