It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, Alkmini. She passed away peacefully with the love of her life, her best friend, Lucas by her side on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12th, 2024 at the age of 81. She was the daughter of the late Panagiotis and Chrysoula Zioga and was born in Pitsiota, Fthiotitha, Greece. She was predeceased by her siblings, Evgenia, Taxiarhi and Efstathia. She is survived by her devoted husband of 58 years, Lucas, her children, Maria, Soula (Boris), Dina (Sheldon) and Dino and grandchildren that she adored and lived for, Kian, Parissa, Lucas, Calista, Karina and Julian; several nieces, nephews in Canada and Greece and her dear Vassiliki, who was her sister-in-law and confidant.
After losing her mother, Mom was placed in an orphanage at the age of six and spent her time there until she was 16. There she learned how to be an exceptional cook, baker and seamstress. A few years after leaving the orphanage she met her true love, Lucas, in Athens, where they married in 1966. They had two children in Athens and moved to Halifax in 1971 and completed their family with two more children. Her life in Canada consisted of constant perseverance. She worked at White Rose Drycleaners where she made lifelong friends and then moved on to One Hour Martinizing until she retired to spend time with her grandchildren.
Mom never allowed us to use the word hate. She gave kindness and respect to everyone that entered her life and never expected anything in return. Her pride for her children and grandchildren was humble. She strongly believed true character was created by the actions of an individual rather than boastful words. Mom’s tremendous amount of strength and character is an inspiration to us all. This was proven over the past three years as she fought against her illness and was considered a walking miracle.
Mom was a dedicated supporter of the St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church. Her faith was unwavering. She loved attending church and enjoyed volunteering for the Greek Community. Her passion for cooking came naturally and was effortless. She was known for her delicious galaktoboureko and spanakopita with constant requests for her secret recipes. She also found tremendous joy in music. She loved to sing and dance.
The name Alkmini means “strength” and in Greek Mythology was the mother of Hercules. She honored this name perfectly.
We would like to thank Sarah DeCoutere, MN-NP and her phenomenal team on the 9th floor, VG Hepatology Services for tending to mom over the years, Cheryl and the Sobeys Pharmacy team, Mumford Road and the team at 7A palliative care unit during her last days. Their care and support for mom made her journey comforting and loving.
A visitation will be held at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax between 5-8pm on Wednesday, May 15th. Funeral Service will be held at St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church, Purcell’s Cove Road at 12:00 pm on Thursday, May 16th. A burial will follow the service in the Fairview Lawn Cemetery, Bedford Highway. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Liver Foundation or St. George’s Greek Orthodox Community.
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