Devoted mother and doting grandmother Konstantina (Dina) Kamps, 86, of Jacksonville, Florida, peacefully passed away on January 30, 2023.
She was born in Athens, Greece, and was just a toddler when World War II started and Greece was invaded in 1940. While her father Angelo fought to protect his country from her invaders, her mother Eleni demonstrated her own courage by departing Athens on foot with her three daughters to find safety in Nea Madytos. It seemed safety was difficult to find in those times of war and suffering. The family made the best of what they had and reunited in Athens after the war.
Invited to New York in her late twenties by her cousin, she discovered an affinity for this country. She soon met and married the love of her life, Demetrios (Jim) Kamps. They relocated to Michigan and became the proud parents to their children, Helene and Melony. When the children were young the family moved to south Florida before eventually settling in Jacksonville.
Strong in her faith, Dina was a long-time member of St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox church, where she was a member of the Philoptochos Society, cooked and served for many Greek festivals, organized monthly senior luncheons and sang in the choir.
A lover of nature, she enjoyed gardening, swimming, hiking, and birding, eventually becoming so knowledgeable about birds that she answered phone queries for the Duval Audubon Society. She served the community for many years as a dedicated volunteer for Meals on Wheels. She relished the adventure of traveling as much as she enjoyed sharing a good meal with those she loved.
One of her greatest joys was communing with the family pets, especially her grand-dog, Donut.
Some of her happiest moments were spending time with her grandson, Demetri. Her love for him was immense, as was her pride in watching him blossom into a kind and gentle soul.
She is preceded in death by her husband Jim Kamps and parents. She is survived by her daughters Helene (Mark) Kamps-Stewart and Melony (Steve) Xynidis, her grandson Demetri Stewart, her sister Venetia Havou and her brother John (Martha) Tsaousis.
The family would like to thank Community Hospice and the staff at the Green House Residences for their attentive care and loving compassion for mom.
Family and friends are invited to attend the Trisagion and funeral service at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 2, 2023 at St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church with Dr. Nicholas Louh officiating. Interment will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery.
In memory of Dina, please consider donations to St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church, the Duval Audubon Society, or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgmandarin.com for the Kamps family.
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