Stavroula "Voula" Sakellaropoulos

Stavroula "Voula" Sakellaropoulos (nee Partheniou), a resilient, compassionate, and loving soul, passed away at home in her 87th year. She departed this world peacefully at home on Monday October 30th, 2023 leaving behind a legacy of faith, strength, love, and unwavering determination. Her life's journey began on August 4th, 1937, in the picturesque mountain village of Latha, in southern Greece, the fourth of six children born to loving and hard-working parents (George, Eleni). Much of her youth was spent labouring in the fields tending and harvesting the crops that sustained her family but looked forward to school every day. She found comfort and escape in a good book, which earned frequent glances of stern disapproval from her mother.

Voula's life unfolded during a tumultuous period in Greece's history, marked by the ravages of World War II and a civil war. With weathered grace, she recounted her harrowing past to captivated ears. Her tales unveiled a childhood marked by resilience, clutching an ancient pistol under her pillow, sheltered in caves, evading the Nazis' grasp. Her poignant narratives wove history into the hearts of her descendants, etching bravery and survival into their souls.

Voula was the top student in her school and because of her scholastic achievements was graced with the honour of carrying the Greek flag in the front of the Kalamata annual Greek Independence Day parade. In pursuit of a brighter future, she made the bold decision to leave her homeland and seek new opportunities in a distant land. In the 1950s, with dreams in her heart, she embarked on a journey to Canada, setting sail on the passenger ship Queen Frederica, despite the rough seas and uncertainties that lay ahead. Her courageous spirit and determination were evident even in her pursuit of a better life across the ocean.

In her early career, Voula undertook the role of a live-in nanny for a prominent lawyer and his wife. She compassionately tended to their terminally ill son, displaying immense dedication and empathy. This experience marked the beginning of her journey in caregiving and profound human connection.

Voula was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Sotirios (Steve), who stood by her side for nearly 50 years, a partner in life's joys and challenges and her brother Pericles. Although Voula and Steve had met only briefly back in Greece, Steve’s heart traversed continents when Voula departed for Canada, leaving behind an unfillable chasm. He scribed letters endlessly, stitching his affection through each word. His love, ignited by her elegance and movie-star allure, urged him across the ocean. His relentless pursuit bore fruit—uniting him with the love of his life, Voula, in the sacred bond of marriage, an epic testament to the power of family.

Voula once aspired to teach but found her calling in entrepreneurship alongside Steve. Their successful ventures led them far from their village roots, offering their children abundant opportunities. She gladly forfeited her dreams in order to cultivate a prosperous life in Thornhill Village, providing a beautiful home and a promising future for her family.

Voula and Steve were founding members of All Saints Greek Orthodox Church on Bayview Avenue. Her unwavering faith through life’s tough challenges and in later life, her failing health, were an inspiration to all.

Her memory lives on through her children: Dimitri (Jim), George (Dr. Christine Ribic), and Jacqueline Syrett (Richard), her brother Yianni (Evagelia), sisters Freda (Ted), Nikki (Fonda) and Toula and her nieces and nephew, Penny, Helen, Stella and Kosta. And her beloved blood sister and kindred spirit Margery MacGregor who’s friendship endured for nearly six decades. Voula's love and teachings have been passed down through generations, manifesting in the lives of her five grandchildren, Alexander, Nicholas, Zachary, North, and Karissa. Their lives are a testament to the love, care, and wisdom she instilled in them.

Voula's family was the center of her universe. Her warmth and unwavering support and extreme generosity created a home filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Her guidance and selflessness were pillars in the lives of her children and grandchildren, leaving an indelible mark on each of their hearts.

Voula mastered English through voracious reading, devouring at least 2 books monthly. She ardently supported her son-in-law's radio shows, eager to discuss new book releases flooding in from publishers. Often finishing books before him, their discussions sparked lively dinner conversations.

When Voula was nearly 50, she challenged her eldest child Jim to teach her to ride a bike. Clumsy as a flamingo on roller skates, she wobbled, crashed into bushes, caused dog stampedes. "At least," she joked, "I'm now an expert at missing trees!" A few years later, driving lessons proved equally eventful. Oh, but how she loved to drive and having learned to ride a bike and drive a car later in life, she redefined the narrative of possibility, illustrating that the thrill of the journey is timeless, and one's courage can steer the course toward newfound freedom and limitless horizons.

As the matriarch of her family, she led by example, instilling values of compassion, hard work, education and resilience. Her legacy is not only in the love she shared but in the lives she touched, the lessons she imparted, and the kindness she showed to all.

Her journey has now led her to a place of eternal peace, joining her loved ones who went before her. As the sun sets on her time in this world, it illuminates the memories of a remarkable woman who will forever remain in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

Visitation: Monday, November 6, 2023 @ 2-4pm & 6-8pm at Kane-Jerrett Funeral Home 8088 Yonge St., Thornhill, ON L4J 1W3

Funeral Service: Tuesday, November 7, 2023 @ 10am at All Saint Greek Orthodox Church 3125 Bayview Avenue, North York, ON M2K 2S2

Burial at Elgin Mills Cemetery 1591 Elgin Mills Rd E, Richmond Hill, ON

Voula adored her church, flowers, and tending to her garden. If you're thinking of honouring her memory, lovely sympathy blooms are warmly received! Alternatively, you can contribute to Voula's beloved congregation at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, ensuring her passion for both faith and flowers continues to bloom.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kanejerrett-thornhill.ca for the Sakellaropoulos family.