Haritomeni Grivas

Along with her charm were her mental toughness and tenacity. She never stopped fighting the ailments that plagued her relentlessly for more than half of her 84 years. Her innate taste and training as a seamstress gave her a keen eye for cut and colour and fabric that never failed her, even as her eyesight did.

She was aided by her strong faith and the unfailing love and support of her family. She and her future husband, Demetrius, grew up together on the island of Ithaca as part of what she called the romantic generation. They had a wonderful life there, even amidst post-war strife, poverty, and natural disaster.

Demetrius left for Canada, bringing her and her son to Toronto after laying the foundation for their new lives here. Slowly and painfully, she adapted. She delighted in plants and flowers, and she saw herself among the multitude of immigrants living harmoniously under the city’s colourful canopy of trees. Yet she remained the girl from Ithaca, embedding in us the traditions, food, folklore, songs, and proverbs of her native island.

Demetrius left this world less than six months ago, probably to lay the foundation for the final home of their eternal love. Haritomeni leaves behind her son Christos, daughter Eugenia, and son-in-law Gus, who were with her when she departed peacefully to join Demetrius.

Loving, devoted, and selfless, Haritomeni gave us a beautiful life, truly a charmed life. We are the luckiest people in the world. We loved her deeply and feel her sudden loss immensely.

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Family and friends may visit at the Jerrett Funeral Home, 1141 St. Clair Ave. W., (1 block east of Dufferin St. on Sunday, November 13, 2022 from 2-4pm and 6-9pm. There are no longer mask mandates, however, the family has requested that all guests wear a face mask while indoors at the funeral home and at the church.

The funeral service of the Divine Liturgy will be on Monday, November 14, 2022 at 11am at Annunciation of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 136 Sorauren Ave., Toronto, ON M6R 2E4.

The Interment Service will follow at Prospect Cemetery, 1450 St Clair Ave West.

In lieu of flowers and If desired, donations in Memory of Haritomeni Grivas may be made to the UHN Foundation.