It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Toula Halikias on January 24, 2024 at the age of 84. Her kindness touched the hearts of all who knew her and her absence will leave an indelible mark on the loved ones she leaves behind.
Toula was born January 1, 1940 on the island of Lefkada, daughter to Andreas and Rina Kogkas and sister to Ioanna, Evdokia, Evangelia and Georgios. As the youngest of the family, Toula was affectionately referred to as bebeka –meaning the baby - by those that knew her. Later, she attended a dressmaker’s school in Athens, honing her skills as a seamstress and cultivating a passion for needlework and fashion. One fateful summer, Toula met her soon-to-be husband, Angelo and together they immigrated to Canada where they would later marry on June 3, 1961. She was a devoted wife to her husband and their 62 years of marriage was a testament to their love and commitment to one another. The couple raised two beautiful children, Noula and Nick, who went on to have families of their own, blessing Toula with seven grandchildren: Evana, Thomas, Evan, Matina, Everett, Christian and Madeline. She looked forward to meeting her first great grandchild, Melina. Toula was an active member of the Greek community, dedicating her time towards organizing events and fundraising initiatives that helped support the completion of St. Demetrius Greek Orthodox Church. She cherished the friendships and memories she made through the many Hellenic festivals and celebrations she attended. Toula most enjoyed spending time with her extended family – Frances, Mike, Koula, Peter, Maria and Terry – and all the beautiful nieces and nephews of the Halikias and Kogkas family.
Toula can be most fondly remembered for her warmth and welcoming nature. Whether you were a familiar face or a new one, Toula always made sure you left her company with a full belly and a loaf of tsoureki for the road. Her hospitality and contagious laughter effortlessly turned strangers into friends and ensured all would feel welcome as a member of the Halikias family. The love she had for her family permeated her every action; her unwavering support and dedication to those she loved were values she both exemplified and imparted upon her children and grandchildren. Our pain was her pain, our struggles were her struggles, and our joys were her joys. She was full of life and she lived for those she loved. Whether celebrating joyous moments, or navigating life’s many challenges, Toula stood by her loved ones with a nurturing spirit, providing a comforting presence that turned ordinary days into cherished memories. We are all blessed to have held that place in her heart, as we are blessed to hold her memory in ours now.
Visitation will be held on Friday February 2, 2024 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Centre, 50 Overlea Boulevard, Toronto. The funeral service will be held on Saturday February 3, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 30 Thorncliffe Park Drive, Toronto. Burial will follow at Elgin Mills Cemetery, section 10.
It can be a great comfort to a grieving person or family to hear that others thought highly of their loved one, too. If you knew and admired Toula, be sure to let the family know by writing a few words in the "Memory" section of her obituary on the Kraeer - Fairchild Funeral Home website. www.KraeerFairchild.com
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