For the loving memory of my Soula, 
Words cannot express the loss and sadness I feel inside.  I wasn't able to cry after I learned of my daughter's cancer many years ago.  It was a shock to my system.  With my Soula's death, my tears have come back, it was another shock to my system.   It has cost me a great deal to have lost this sister.  I have lost my older sister and my older brother, earlier, many years back.   I was sadden by their deaths but not like this.   I am sadden when I think of them at times. But with my sister, Soula, it was like I lost a part of me.  I still can not digest nor comprehend that she is gone.   My only condolence is that I will join her soon. 
She was more than my sister, she was my confidant. I would tell her my worries, my secrets, my sorrows and my problems and she would tell me hers.  She was there to listen to me always very supportive never criticized me never judged me. I trusted her with my thoughts, as she trusted me.  She was the only sibling I could truly communicate with.  We never fought, even as children.  She and I worked hard. Our childhood was cut short with the passing of our father and circumstances required we work starting from a very young age. She and I tried to help our family.  She wasn't selfish and always shared the few things she had with both of us, her sisters.  As a young lady, she would sew dresses for us, her sisters, our mother, our niece, our nephew and then herself.   She wanted things to always look nice.   When she left Chicago to get married, I missed her companionship.  We talked almost every other day.  So whether she was in Chicago or not she was always with me.  If I had something I wanted to share with someone, she would always come to my mind first.  Now, many times, I forget and say to myself,  I should call Soula and tell her this then my heart gets overwhelmed with a sadness and tears come to my eyes because she will never answer her phone again.  I am glad not to have gone to her funeral or to have seen her sick or in the hospital.  Even if circumstances permitted I don't think I would have went. I don't want to believe her that she is gone.  My last image of her is being with her on her balcony in 2010. I wanted to keep that with me until I pass away.   I talked to her at the hospital many times, days even when she couldn't speak.  I only hope my voice offered her some comfort. I could not bring myself to tell her to let go I wanted her to fight to stay with us.  I know her words would have comforted me if things were versed. I knew someday that death would take us both.  I expected myself to go first, being older, or at least, we would go together holding hands, as we did when we were two little girls in Grozny.  In Grozny, I would take her by the hand and we would sneak out to see the peacocks in the park near our home. I wish for her some peace because her heart weighed heavy on what we've passed and her family life.  As long as I live I will never forget my Soula and will always remember taking her by her hand to see the peacocks. Until we meet again. Love you eternally, Kleoniki, your sister.

Mama I love you and miss you.
Your house is empty without you, but now you are resting in peace in your heavenly home.

Remembering your voice, hugs, laugh, sense of humor, wisdom, loving-kindness and patience keeps you near in my heart and mind.

Thank you for giving me life, a life privileged to have you as my mother and exemplifying love and patience and for all the happy memories I have of you.

What can I say, life is strange.
Our family did not live in a single city or country. America, Greece, Russia. We did not know each other for many years. That's how I met my cousin, Soula when she came to Greece in 1995.  We had a great age difference, but from the first moment I understood she was different.  She had a good heart. She looked like Theia Mika, but her character wasn't like hers.  In 2007, I went to America, with Filitsa, and got to know Soula better. What a pity that we did not live together, not to have grown up together, I'd love to have had her near. May she be well where she is, now!  To see us from there, and know that she was loved and will never be forgotten.

I miss my beloved aunt. I wish I could've visited and hugged you one last time.

Unable to come to terms with the fact that a severe disease took the life of my cousin Soula. We met when we were not young, so I am sorry not to have had the chance to see you often and that there was a great distance that separated us, and now you are gone from this life. Our pain cannot be expressed in words. Sleep my dear without any more pain. Memories of you will always alive. 
 - Elena Fotiadi

m mou
I am writing this letter as to express my thoughts and remove my deep sadness as to cry a bit less every day and to calm your spirit and my heart.  Today is the Epiphany.  Today last year we were in the hospital and we were laughing and telling each other stories. I want you to hear me laugh again so I write to you what is on my heart.
You left and I feel like an orphan, though I had 46 years to have the honor and privilege to have you as my mother.  I know I have always let you know this but I wonder if you realize how much I really meant it?
 I was grateful to have you as my mama because you were not like all the other Greek ladies...yes old fashion. but you always had a sense of charm, class and finesse about you.  You were a true aristocrat.  Always with a smile and words of encouragement.  A heart filled with love for all her children and a heart filled with innocence which brought out the child in you and us.  
Your smile would light up our home and your arms were always be wide open whenever I'd return.  You gave me strength to reach my dreams. never let me give up.   You and I went through architecture school together.many times you sat with me to sand my stairs .many times you sat by my side so that I won't fall asleep at the wheel while I drove late nights to print my presentations.  You walked the Brooklyn Bridge late night with me do my project.  On my graduation and exhibition day your face light up with pride for me. You were always there for me and you always did anything you could to help me. You let me soar even if it meant leaving you behind.  You were my compassyou were my heart and home.  I knew you were always proud of me. but I wonder if you knew how proud of you I am?    If you only knew how your strength gave me strengthyou would always say all can be done in time the sound of your voice was all I needed.  Your patience was beyond virtuous  I am so in awe of it.   always wondered how you managed to find it.
You wrote and send me poems to express your sadness.  They saddened me deeply to know I couldn't do anything to help you.   I should have tried harder to bring you to Greece with me.  It was my fault that I didn't try harder.    I know it caused issues with you with dad and that's why you didn't come to live with me.  It is my biggest regret though, I should have fought harder and harder.   I saw how happy you looked when you would see and stare at the beautiful blue sea.   The sadness would leave your face.   So I will live with this regret but know every time I will look at the sea I will think of you.
Other mothers would have wanted me to stay by their side but you never insisted always told me I have a home with you and your heart was my compass to find my way home; others would have insisted to get marriedthough I knew how much that made you happy when I finally got married.  You wanted me to soar. When I shared the things I did and saw I knew you saw them through my eyes. Even when I was younger and traveled across Europe...you were hesitant but agreed and helped convinced dad to let me go..you knew deep down it would have been good for me.I would call you and after asking how I was you would ask what I sawyou were so interested in what I saw you let me talk for hours.    I guess because I do have your eyes you saw what I would see.   Even on my wedding day, as tired as your legs were and hurt, you danced and socialized like a butterfly.  Your smile filled the room and my heart.  Everyone commented on your grace and warmth by saying what a sweet lady Filitsa mother is what warm she exhibits, Filitsa' mother is such an aristocrat.   It made me proud.   I wish I could do that.  As I told you the next day if I had realized how happy it made you I would have done it earlier and many times. We laughed.
I know Thanksgiving and Christmas were always your favorite holidays of the year.  When we were little and not only then, you would dress up as Santa.  I am not sure who was happier you or us .it was beautiful. You had told us that the real Saint Nick was from the place you were born the Caucasus.  You made me dream and believe.  I don't recall ever thanking you for that.  Thank you for making us feel like children during the holidays and giving us happy childhood memories.
 As you said the last Thanksgiving dinner (2014), which we were all there as a family, I am grateful to have my whole family sitting around the table happy and healthy.   And you laughed with your heart when dad said he was grateful too but he had a grievance about Pavlos.    want you to know when I couldn't spent it with you, it was something I always missed and had a sad feeling in my heart.  I knew how much you actually enjoyed putting up the tree and the lights with all your Christmas toys on your balcony.  It was something I was really looking forward to doing with you having returned home.  This year, I couldn't bring myself to put up a tree. I put one for you at your grave.  I really hope you can see it.   I was too sad to put up a tree at this year but I promise you I will next year and with the joy you did as when we were young.
The day you left this earth is the moment my life changed forever. I am not the same nor will I ever be the same.  The moment your heart stopped beating mine was torn into 2 pieces.  One, you took with you and the 2nd,  left behind hurting and missing you. The day your eyes closed forever  mine filled with tears.  I know you didn't want me to cry.  Oh, I have tried and I continue to try for everyone else's sake around me and for your soul.  However, I am overwhelmed of the thought of not hearing your voice again, the touch of your long thin fingers across my face (something that I remember from my childhood and longed for many years) and to hear you sing again.  
Your voice and songs made my childhood sweet.  The last song, we sang together in the hospital still rings in my thoughts.  Oh, how I remember the songs you sang. while washing dishes as we were growing up and especially the songs you sang when we were our road trips in Greece with Nikitas and Melanie.   I remember how our house always smelled delicious because you were either cooking or baking something good.  Your laxanodolmades were my favorite.  I remember how you always went out of your way to make kourabiedes.  You enjoyed to make jokes and loved that we teased with you.
You enjoyed how I tease you about your kanakari! It made me happy to see you smile from cheek to cheek when your kanakari would kiss you or talk to you even if it was a few minutes. You loved us all and I know Melanie being sick had sadden your heart and soul, as it does mine.  I remember you saying how happy you were when you first bought the house.I asked you why and you replied It has 3 floors.  Top floor for my eldest little girl and middle floor for my youngest little girl and the street level would be perfect for me and your father when we grew old and can no longer walk up & down stairs.  I loved this house because it can be filled with my family.   Then a year later your brother was born and I thought that's okay we'll work hard and get a bigger house to fit the whole family.  Always tried to see the positive and solve the problem didn't dwell or complained. 
I always like how you named the creatures, especially the squirrels that would eat your plantsthe bad people as you called them.  The morning I came back from the hospital without you a baby badman started to make a small nest on my balcony. And it stayed there for the  40 days.  Yes I feed it but with all the cold it remained there.  I wanted to believe that you sent it there so that I can think of you and warm my heart and soul for abit. 
 And how you enjoyed the athanasopoule tease.  So I tried to tease you one last time as I said goodbye to my athanasopoule  in the church where I put your little wool cap, that you knitted, on you and had roses send off with you to remind you of your garden.  I have done all you have asked for except for the violins.  I will think of something to compensate for that too.   I have and will keep all my promises to you I swear it.
I know you asked me not to cry but I told you couldn't promise that I could only try not to cry.   I do try very hard.  But I am angry and hurt that I had waited so long to spend time with you I know you did too.  It is unfair that this has happened but I am grateful I was here for you.  I thought of you as my Bouboukamy little girl.   I never gave you grandchildren  another maybe regret but I have my reasons as you knew so I guess taking care of you made me feel like your mother.  You were such a good patient even in pain you barely complained.  I did enjoy eating with you and taking care of you.I never thought of it as an obligation but as something I was meant to do.   If God gave me the 14 months with you and you had to be sick, I am glad I was the one taking care of you.   I know that made you happy and sad at the same time because you thought it tired me.  You never tired me. The situation and the others tired me..Never you.   I would have not wanted any nurse or anyone else to help you.  I wanted you know how deeply I cared for you. 
 I was glad I was there for you as you gave your last breath because you were the one who was there for me for my first breath.  I was glad that it was me who held you and you died in my arms and not alone.  Even when I realized that your days of suffering were now limited, oh how I only wished to hear your voice.  I only hope you were able to hear me talk to you and try to comfort you and listen to your music.  One can say that burying you on my birthday was doubly sad but I tried to see it as my honor to lay you to rest the day you brought me into this world. Whether it is symbolic or just a coincidence I don't really know.  Some people say so that it happened that way so I will never forget you.  That would have been impossible to do.   had an extraordinary mother! 
I am so fearful, though, if I die and all who have known you die (you have touched many lives more than you can imagine) that you will be gone.  So I am going to try to capture who you were and make you immortal by writing your story...the little girl from Grosny.a silent hero but nevertheless my hero.   So rest now because I know your heart was heavy but I hope being with you lighten it  for you.  Go be with your mother and father as you called for them.  In my story, people will know the poems of my poet and will remember her always. Eternal will be your memory.
I love you and adore you forever.  I want to keep making you proud, have your soul rest and not hear my tears, but I ask of you to give me strength and watch over me and my siblings and my father. Because what I really want to do is lie next to you and not wake up and see this all as just a very terrible dream.   Oh.. please help me feel your presence so that like the sound of your , to give me strength.  Your absence is a void in my heart that will never be filledbut not feeling your presence saddens my heart and soul even more.  Please.. let your spirit be beside me to share with me and guide me.  I want you to see what I see through my eyes and not have them filled with my tears.      
  I love you and miss you dearly, your Filitsa

Once there was a little girl from Grozny...who would sit at the corner of her big house and watch the caravan from Anatoli pass by every day. She saw all sorts of wonderful and amazing things.....camels, monkeys, horses and bears. The colors of the silk fabrics brought life to the steamed filled air from the trains.

Dear Panteliadis Family,

The truth is that I only met Hionia once when I came to your home very late one night with Phyllis. Mrs. Panteliadis left such an impression on me, that I told my family and close friends about her. We walked in that night and she had Greek food, slippers, and pj's waiting for us. She was so caring and attentive, I remember thinking that I wanted to be a mom just like her one day. What a wonderful woman. I am wishing your family all the comfort you need.
xoxo

Dear Phyllis,

We are sorry to hear ( from our son, Chris)of your mom's death. No matter when - expected (a long illness) or unexpected, the death of a loved one is always hard.  You have our sympathy and prayers.

Dear Nick & Family,

Thinking of you during this difficult time.  All the best from the guys at A+W Fire Controls

Dear Panteliadis Family,
My deepest condolences for the loss of Hionia Panteliadis. It was a privilege to take care of her. "Aionia e mneme tis". Her beautiful smile will be missed. With sincere condolences from us all here.

To the Family of Hionia,
The Palliative Care Team extends their hearfelt condolences to you on your loss.  It was a privilege to care for your loved one. Please do not hesitate to call us if there is anything we can do for you during this difficult time.

We are very sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. We are thinking of you and your family. We send our most sincere condolences. XOXO, Stephanie + Dan

So sorry for your loss... I always remember her welcoming me to your home... she was a wonderful woman...

Dear John, Phyllis, Melanie & Pavlos,
I was very sadden by your note upon hearing Hionia's passing. As I am writing now,I'm trying to fight back tears.  
She has a special place in my heart always. Both John and her were like Mom & Dad to us when we were there. 
Losing a mom is very difficult.  I know from my own experience. You will all miss Hionia greatly, but know she is still with you in spirit. 
We loved her dearly.
-Palmira, James, Amada & Ed, Andrea & Krista Manos

Philis,

The truth about your mom is that I only met her once when we came home really late from one of your studio Charrettes. She left such an impression on me, that I told my family and select friends about her. We walked in that night and she had Greek food, slippers, and pj's waiting for us. She was so caring and attentive, I thought I wanted to be a mom like that one day. I gave birth to twins girls on Thursday. We are all good. I read your email yesterday and all the small details of the day I met your mom came back. She was wonderful.

God's Garden
God looked around His garden
and He found an empty place.
He then looked down upon this earth
and saw your tired face.
He put His arms around you
and lifted you to rest.
God's garden must be beautiful,
He always takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering.
He knew that you were in pain.
He knew that you would never
get well on earth again.
He saw the road was getting rough
and the hills are hard to climb.
So, He closed your weary eyelids and whispered," Peace be thine."
It broke our hearts to lose you, 
but you didn't go alone, 
For part of us went with you, 
the day God called you home.
- Author Unknown-

Dear Theo Yanni, Philis, Mena & Pavlos,
The world will be a sadder place without my beloved Theia Soula.
With love, 
Poss, Jim, Dean, & Luke

We are sorry sorry for your loss. Your mother will always be remembered as a kind and gentle soul.  Thinking of you and sending all our love.
All our love, Sydney, Victor, Scott & Fran XXOO

With Deepest Sympathy for the loss of our longtime friend and neighbor. You will be dearly missed.  Memory eternal. With love Stathis, Toula, Despina & Elizabeth Symeonides

Dear Phyllis,
We are very saddened to hear the news about your recent loss.  Please accept our condolences. Our heart goes out to you at this difficult time. Love Jeff Kerstin, Kayle, & Alia

Dear Phyllis & Family,
We are sorry for your loss and are keeping you in our thoughts in this difficult time.

With our deepest sympathy to our loving friend, 
with love Aspasia, Mary, & Dina Delarda

Dear Uncle John, 
I was very sorry to hear that Aunt Soula passed away. Phyllis tried to contact me , but I did not know until it was too late.  She was always very kind to me. It hurts me to know how she wanted to say good- bye to me, and I was not there.  I know she was a great lady with a heart filled with love for you, Phyllis, Paul & Mena.  I was lucky to have her as my aunt.

Dearest Johnny,
I was deeply sadden to hear about our Soula. All I can say is that we were both very lucky men to have such loving and beautiful wives.  I always remember with much joy the get togethers we had before we had our children.   We were all young and happy.  We didn't have much money but we would always have a good time eating and dancing to Greek music.  I remember how Sylvie use to love to dance with you and Soula would make delicious Greek food.  We were kings my dear friend!  My only condolence is that Soula and Sylvie are now together...hoepfully laughing and singing as they did when they were young.  We were very lucky men to have them both in our lives.  We loved you both.

Miriam and I heard the very sad news about your mom. Our thoughts are with you. Please let us know if there is anything we can do.

I'm so sorry and so sad to hear this. Your tribute on facebook was beautiful and very touching. I wish I had known your mother better! I'm glad you were able to spend this past year in the US with her. I hope you are doing ok, despite the circumstances. I am sending you lots of love (from Antonis as well). We are thinking of you now and in the days ahead.

My condolences to you and your family, especially Melanie. Your mom was such a nice lady, She is resting in peace. Stay strong my dears. Sorry to hear.

My sympathies to you and your family,  especially your Dad. It has been a very difficult winter. A few elderly people I know passed this winter and now your Mom too. I hope this spring, which has been so slow to come, will lift your spirits and remind you of the anastasi.

Praying for you and your family. Love you

This is such a beautiful picture of your mother Philis. She looks a lot like you.

So very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts!

Very beautiful thoughts and memories ...may all of the best ones fill you at this time .

Lovely photo and I want to know more about her. Our mothers shape us and their stories live on. My sincere condolences.

Losing mom is very difficult, laying her to rest and knowing she's no longer suffering and in God's loving hands,on your birthday ,the day she brought you into the world , is very special!

 May she rest in peace!
I very sorry for your loss,
She will missed dearly!!

Filitsaki mou, ta sillipitiria mas. Kouragio .Zoi se sas.(((((((((((((

What a beautiful tribute Phyllis. My deepest condolences to you and your family. May you find peace and comfort in all the beautiful memories that you have.

 I am so sorry to hear this... All my love and prayers are with you

Beautiful words for a kind and gentle soul. May your happy memories of her bring you all comfort. Thinking of you all. xo

Beautiful pictures of your beautiful Mom. RIP Thea Soula.

Our prayers and thoughts are with you. May she rest in peace.

 Philis this was beautiful and I am so deeply sorry for your loss! We grew up just doors away and my parents still live there too. Mentioned to my mom today and she told me she knew would always see them and stop to talk. Think she said she even spoke to you and you told her about your mom. She wanted to know what was going on and if I had any information was keeping her in her prayers. I will sadly give her the news my condolences go out to you and the family. What a beautiful tribute, she was a beautiful woman! Be strong and know you have us here!

Beautifully said! So sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

My deepest condolences Philis. This is a beautiful tribute to your Mother May she rest in peace

So very sorry, Philis. Our deepest condolences to all of you. . What a beautiful tribute to your sweet mother. I will always remember our long walks to Greek school with your Mom and her delicious Greek cookies!

 I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending lots of love.

Sincere condolences. May she rest in peace

Your mother was a sweet kind generous woman...her spirit will live forever xx

phil,
i have known you for more than half my life.  i have known you to be always kind and generous, and now i know where it all comes from.  
your mom lives on in you and your family.  the rest of us are bless to have known her through you.

She was/is my inspiration, my strength and my courage to go beyond. She was /is my poetic soul!

Dear Philis and Family, 
I am sorry for your loss and wish you the peace that comes only with the passage of time. I am certain that the light that burned so bright in life will keep your hearts warm with her everlasting memory. My best wishes for healing and tranquillity. Please be well.

I knew Mrs. Panteliadis through her son, Pavlos.  She was truly a warm, loving, and lovely woman.  I always felt welcome in her home, not only from her generosity but also her warm spirit.  She will be sincerely missed by everyone who knew her.  Dr. Christina La Croix

OBITUARY

Hionia Panteliadis

October 1, 1932 – February 10, 2015

Frederick Funeral Home

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