Nancy Athanassia Arsens

Nancy (Athanassia) Arsens, a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2023, at the age of 78. Affectionately known as Sosso and Yiayee, she left behind a profound legacy of gentleness, loyalty, and devotion to her family and friends.

Born on September 23, 1944, in Athens, Greece, Nancy grew up in a large extended family in a modest house where she helped her parents raise her younger siblings and helped at the family store in Pagrati, Greece. She demonstrated her courage by leaving her homeland as a new bride in the late '60s to join her new husband, Paul G. (Apostoli) Arsens, in Canada. Together, they built a life, a business, and a family. Their devotion to each other was evident throughout their lives and continued past Paul’s passing in 2003.

In their first home in Penticton, BC, they successfully operated the Purple Steer, the Imperial, and the House of Retreat restaurants. Relocating to Vancouver in 1980, they revitalized and operated the Normandy and the Aristocratic restaurants on South Granville and the Steveston Seafood House in Richmond, all while raising their four children. Nancy was a hard worker all her life and enjoyed the company of her family and close friends, and reunions with her siblings.

Nancy is survived by her four children, Dino (Kaeleigh), Elaine, Gina (Cameron), and James, and her grandchildren, Zoe, Julia, Nathan, Poppy, and Paige. She was a loving and devoted sister to Aggeliki (Theodore) Karaindrou, Fay (Manolis) Karageorgiou, and Taki (Anastasia) Mandrakos and predeceased by her brothers Adonis (Maria) Mandrakos and Niko (Vasso) Mandrakos. She loved her nieces and nephews, and extended family and friends like they were her own.

Nancy's strength and resilience were remarkable, as shown when she came home from hospice in 2019 and lived for four more years. Her unwavering care and concern for others continued until her last days. Poignant memories, including her Sunday dinners and her love for family, will endure.

Nancy's family would like to acknowledge the love and care provided by Myra, Elvie, Linda, and Marcia, which allowed Nancy to live in her own home until the end.

Nancy will be missed, but her gentle spirit and unwavering love for family and friends will never be forgotten. Her legacy of love, loyalty, and devotion will continue to live on and inspire those who knew her.

Funeral February 24, 2023

Service 10 am – Greek Orthodox Church, 4500 Arbutus St., Vancouver

Internment 11: 30 am – Forest Lawn Memorial 3789 Royal Oak Ave, Burnaby

Reception 12:30 pm – Delta Hotel at the Burnaby Villa 4331 Dominion St., Burnaby, BC