Απεβίωσε στη Μελβούρνη στις 10 Μαρτίου 2009 ο αγαπητός Γεώργιος Συκιώτης εκ Σταυρού Ιθάκης. Εκηδεύθη εκ του Ιερού Ναού Ευαγγελισμού Της Θεοτόκου East Melbourne όπου συγγενείς και φίλοι αποχαιρέτισαν τον μεταστάντα. Ο αείμνηστος, γεννήθηκε το 1923 υιός των Λουκά και Γαλατίας.
Στην Αυστραλία ήλθε το 1939. Το 1953 επαντρεύτηκε την Νίνα Βεντούρα και απέκτησαν μία κόρη. Σεβαστό μέλος και υποστηρικτής του Συνδέσμου μας.
Στην συζυγό του Νίνα, τέκνα του Γαλάτια-Chris και λοιπούς συγγενείς, θερμά συλλυπητήρια.
VICKY KANDILIOTIS
πεβίωσε στη Μελβούρνη στις 4 Απριλίου 2009 η αγαπητή Βικτώρια Κανδυλιώτη. Εκηδεύθη εκ του Ιερού Ναού Εισοδείων Της Θεοτόκου North Balwyn όπου συγγενείς και φίλοι συνόδευσαν την μεταστάσα στην τελευταία της κατοικία.
Στα τέκνα της Χριστίνα-Χρίστο, Ιωάννα, Κατερίνα, εγγόνια, δισέγγονο και λοιπούς συγγενείς θερμά συλλυπητήρια.
Victoria Kandiliotis passed away on 4th April 2009 at 81 years of age. She was a beautiful, charismatic lady. She was strong, resilient and silent in her endeavour. She was respected, admired and loved by all those who knew her. Throughout her life she was known to be a trendsetter, with her own individual style and often people would comment on her impeccable dress sense and beauty.
As a young girl at school, Victoria wanted to be a nurse but instead left school at fourteen to help in the family fruit shop in Swanston Street. This is where she met her future husband, Orpheus, when she used to buy her milkshakes in his milk bar across the road. During her engagement, while Orpheus was in the army, the love letters flowed backwards and forwards. Victoria married at nineteen years of age. The marriage produced three daughters, seven grandchildren and, one-and-a-half great-grandchildren.
In Victoria’s home at 3 Bulleen Road North Balwyn, all were welcome. Victoria assisted many people, particularly during the migration years. During our childhood, many of mum’s extended family, including sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws all stayed at the house until they established themselves. Many family weddings and celebrations were held there. Everyone has expressed what a great help and support she was to all.
Although Victoria was born in Australia, she had a great love for her Greek culture, particularly music and dancing. Throughout her life Victoria experienced great happiness and great sadness. She was a pillar of strength for everyone around her and passed onto her family her knowledge, wisdom and life skills. In her latter years she lived with her devoted daughter Joanne and grand-daughter Margarita.
Victoria was a devoted mother and grandmother, always to be seen with a car full of grandchildren; at one stage the car carried two baby car seats. She adored her grandchildren and they reciprocated that love and adoration in many different ways. They used to think that their yia yia was “magic”. When yia yia was in the house they felt that yia yia could fix anything and make all things better. This love was displayed time and time again. Her love was expressed from her heart and instinct. Even up until her last moments Victoria was still being supportive in her family role and thinking of her family. And her last Christmas, we were all very lucky to have been able to spend quality time with her.
SHE WAS A LEGEND TO ALL.
‘Star light, Star bright,
The first star I see tonight,
I wish I may, I wish I might,
Have the wish I wish tonight’
Thanks mum and yia-yia for all your care, love and understanding that will be with us forever. Your passing has left us with a feeling that the world is not the same without you.
Your loving daughters, Christine, Joanne and Katherine; grandchildren Peter, Helene, Orpheus, Victoria, Margarita, Rheanna and Selena and great-grandson Costa.
JIM VLASSOPOULOS
13 August 1935 – 18 April 2009
Απεβίωσε στη Μελβούρνη στις 19 Απριλίου 2009 ο αγαπητός σε όλους Δημήτριος Βλασσόπουλος. Εκηδεύθη στο Cordell Chapel at Fawkner Memorial Park, παρουσία πλήθους συγγενών και φίλων όπου αποχαιρέτισαν τον μεταστάντα.
Στην συζυγό του Μελίτα, τέκνα Γεωργία-Ron, Κατερίνα-David, εγγόνια και λοιπούς συγγενείς θερμά συλλυπητήρια.
Jim Vlassopoulos was born in Melbourne on 13th August 1935. His parents, John and Ekatarini had come from Greece, from Odysseus’ birthplace of Ithaca, some years before with their eldest son Peter. Jim was the youngest of five children Peter, George, Victoria, Eutichia and was brought home as a new born baby to the house at 922 Drummond Street in North Carlton. He was to live in this house for the whole of his life.
Jim went to school at Brunswick South Primary School. He left school when he was fourteen to work with his father in the family business “Sunny Valley” fruit and flower shop on the corner of Collins and Swanston Street. After some time, Jim set up a stall at the Vic Market with his cousin Anastassi.
In 1955 Jim was asked by his sister Vicki to go down to Station Pier and meet Melita, a young girl who had just arrived from Greece, from Ithaca. He fell in love with the beautiful girl and four months after her arrival Jim and Melita were married. Their wedding reception was held at the North Balwyn home of Jim’s sister Vicki and her husband Orpheus. Jim took his bride home to live in Drummond Street with his parents and brother, Peter. At the time they were married Jim spent two months in the Army, and was based at Puckapunyal. This was a long time for a newly married couple to be apart, but when he came home with £40 as pay, it all seemed worthwhile. This at a time when wages were just £5 per week.
Melita’s English was not so good and neither was Jim’s Greek. But he became determined to improve, working hard, studying and reading until he became fluent in the language of his parents and his wife.
In 1956 their daughter Kathy was born and six years later, a second daughter, Georgia. In 1967, Melita took her husband and children back to Ithaca to meet their extended family for the first time. They left Melbourne on the S.S. Patris, sailing for thirty days through the Suez Canal before they arrived in Greece. This was Jim’s first time in Greece and the family stayed there for a whole year.
Jim’s market stall at the Vic Market sold avocadoes and mangoes. In those days Monty and Stephanie, who owned Jamaica House in Lygon Street would go everyday to buy these exotic fruits as Jim was the only one to sell them. They struck up a strong and lasting friendship and when Monty needed a partner in the restaurant, he asked Jim to join him. They all worked together for many years until Monty’s death in 1982. Jim and Melita then took over the business themselves and worked there until they retired in 2003.
Jim was a man of many talents. He was a sculptor of wood and his home is a gallery of the many intriguing pieces that he created from driftwood and roots. He had an eclectic taste in music that ranged from Greek Jazz, classical music and the opera. All the music played today was chosen by Jim himself and is representative of his love of great pieces. Jim loved films, especially the older ones, was very politically aware, and of course he had a great love of food and wine. A close friend described him as having “the best untrained palate, he could pick a wine just by tasting it.”
But Jim’s greatest love, after his beloved wife Melita, was his grandchildren. Jim was delighted when Kathy and Georgia met David and Ron and had families of their own. Jim was Papou to Jim, Ari, Zoe and Lefteri. He did everything for the children, fixing their toys and when they were older driving them wherever they needed to go. Jim’s last trip overseas was in 2008. Unfortunately Jim became unwell and he had to return home early. Eventually Jim received the diagnosis of his cancer. His family was devastated especially his only remaining sibling, Vicki. She too was seriously ill and when she heard that Jim didn’t have long to live, she declared that she would like to die before her younger brother. And she got her wish; two weeks ago, Vicki passed away.
On Sunday 18th April, Greek Easter Sunday, Jim’s life too, came to end. He died in the house where he was born, surrounded by the family that he loved and who in turn loved him.
Jim will be remembered as a vibrant, energetic, caring man, loved by many, many people. He in turn, had great respect for all who crossed his path. Jim held no prejudices or bias towards any religion, race or social group. He accepted and treated everyone as his equal. He was an intelligent, well read man. He could hold a conversation with anyone, regardless of their age, education or social background.
Leslie Scrase wrote: ‘As a pebble dropped into the pool sends its ripples endlessly outwards, so the ripples from the pebbles of our lives go on into the untold future.’
Jim Vlassopoulos was just such a pebble. Many people have been touched by a ripple from the pebble of Jim’s life. For some, the vibration of that ripple is strong and long lasting, and for some the ripple is just a gentle caress. But each of us, as we continue to live our own lives, has been the richer for having known him.
(This is an edited version of the eulogy read on the day of his funeral. Music played during the service was selected by Jim himself.)
FOR DAD AND FOR PAPOU
Dad loved mum and he loved his daughters. He taught us to follow our dreams and passions.
He encouraged us in whatever we wanted to pursue. He taught us to be strong and think outside the square. He was proud of our academic and artistic achievements.
Together the four of us worked at Jamaica House for many years and we met many people from all walks of life. We grew up with music, song and dance. From reggae to rebetika. We sang Greek kantathes and the Rolling Stones; Louis Armstrong and Ella. We danced and jived. Dad taught us to waltz and tango and to rock’n’roll. We danced kalamatiana, tsamika, and zembekika.
Dad told us stories. We had discussions from politics to art. He taught us how to fix a leaky tap. We followed Carlton (although Georgia wasn’t too interested in the footy). Our friends became dad’s friends.
Dad supported Georgia with her art and also became a post goughist exhibiting his own work.
Dad supported and encouraged me with my dance creations.
THANKS DAD
Dad was so proud of his four grand children. They called him Papou. Even the children’s friends called him papou. Dad encouraged and helped Jim, Ari, Zoe and Lefteri. He was known as Mr. Fixit. Dad could fix almost anything. Toys that broke bikes that needed major overhauls.
He drove them around to their activities and was actively involved in all they did. He helped the kids with their projects – creating machines, monsters and magic places like the wonderful tree house that he built. Each grand child has dad’s special qualities and his good looks. Jim carries his name and star sign, both Leos. And his big crop of black hair. Big Jim and little Jim did lots of things together – they were always busy.
Jim’s interest in film was developed with dad and Jim’s attention to detail is just like dad’s. Jim is an artist but has other varied interests like literature, history and food. Just like dad. Ari carries dad’s strength and love of sport (although Ari barracks for the wrong footy team). Ari’s gentle and sensitive nature, and caring attitude have been passed from his papou. Dad supported Ari when he played soccer, and at his Karate gradings. Ari is a good sport. Just like his papou. Zoe’s vibrant, gregarious and social personality reflect her papou. Her high spirit and positive energy gave dad strength. Dad’s generosity and love to spend time with family and friends has been inherited by Zoe. The girl loves a party … Like her papou. And Lefteri. The surprise packet. He is cheeky and flirtatious like his papou. He also loves a party. Lefteri has a social political awareness and like his papou will be actively involved in political debates. He already tells us what to do. Lefteri is also an engaging story teller … just like his papou.
THANKS PAPOU
With love
Georgia and Kathy Vlassopoulos,
Jim, Ari and Zoe Gurr,
Lefteri Guy
ΓΕΡΑΣΙΜΟΥΛΑ
ΦΟΡΑΔΟΥΛΑ-ΚΟΛΟΚΑΘΗ
Με λύπη πληροφορηθήκαμε τον θάνατο της Γερασιμούλας Κολοκάθη στις 20 Μαίου 2009, θυγατέρας των Γεωργίου και Ειρήνης Φοραδούλα.
Στον συζυγό της Λεωνίδα, τέκνα Κατερίνα, Κωσταντίνο, Γιώργο, στους γονείς και λοιπούς συγγενείς, θερμά συλληπητήρια.
KATINA KOSTOPOULOS
ΑΙΚΑΤΕΡΙΝΗ ΚΩΣΤΟΠΟΥΛΟΥ
On the 28th September 1929, Katina Anna Kostos was born in Agios Saranta, Ithaca to Anastasia and Laertes Kostopoulos. At the age of 13 months, Katina migrated to Melbourne with her mother and father. Very soon after their arrival, her mother gave birth to brothers Johnny and Chris, and sister Maria.
Katina spent her formative years in Carlton where she developed a passion for the Carlton football club. After attending Flemington Girls School, Katina completed her education at Emily McPherson College where she studied dress making. As an accomplished dressmaker, Katina joined Cannes, a bridal boutique where she created a number of beautiful bridal gowns for the well to do.
After several years in dress making, Katina transferred to Myer Melbourne where she embarked on a retail apprenticeship in the shoe department. Her talent for detail and style soon earned her a promotion to buying. Katina spent over 25 years in Myer where she built a career buying shoes, handbags and accessories. She became very successful in building profitable departments and was highly thought of by Myer Management.
Katina lived a full and exciting life. She travelled extensively around the world for business and pleasure and returned many times to her birthplace, Ithaca. With fashionable blonde bouffant hair, Katina was an attractive woman who was always in vogue with the current fashion.
Immaculately dressed, she was often seen zipping around Melbourne in her green Morris Minor, a car that she drove for over 20 years.
A fiercely independent and respected woman, Katina’s weekends were always full of social engagements, including the routine Saturday lunch at Maria’s, dinner at Koula’s, and Sunday lunches at Chris’s. She attended many Greek functions, including Ithacan dances where it was rumoured she broke a few hearts. In her later years, Katina settled in a quaint little flat in Kensington St South Yarra. Surrounded by photos of her many grand nephews and nieces, she was often seen frequenting the various coffee shops.
Katina was a hard working, loyal and trustworthy individual who imparted these qualities to her friends and family. She was selfless- always making herself available financially, physically and emotionally to those around her. Throughout her life, Katina maintained an even temperament and excelled as a mediator. Katina showed tremendous courage, as she battled her illnesses in the last few years. Quietly, resolutely she continued to smile and remained positive. She never complained.
Today, we pay tribute to Katina, a woman that gave love and is loved by many. She will be sadly missed and will remain forever in our memories.
Finally she can rest in peace.
AN ODE FOR KATHY KOSTOS
I will always remember your fortitude and strength.
Your ability to overcome adversity.
You carried your independence with such nobility.
And gave of yourself with an open heart.
Rest in peace. With Love and Respect.
Nina Varvaregos