It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Maria Papastephanou on Saturday, July 15, 2023, aged 79 years. Left to cherish her memory are daughter Georgia, and son Chris(tos) (Jennifer). Maria is survived by her many brothers, nephews, and nieces, all in her home country of Greece. She is predeceased by her husband, Vassilios, parents, and brother George.
In 1944 Maria was born in the Northern Greek village of Archangellos, the only daughter of six brothers. Life in the village revolved around farming. Besides helping her family with work in the fields, she cooked many meals with her mother and became locally renowned for her sewing skills. Many in the village would come to their home to request alterations.
Maria loved school, and always dreamed of being a nurse. When she married Vassilios in 1975, they soon after moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba. She worked in sewing factories in her early years here, and later came as close as she ever would to nursing when she started working at Misericordia General Hospital. She was a hard worker, enjoying, in particular, her years as an HCA in the O.R. department. She loved her Misericordia family, and built many strong and lasting friendships over the years. It was always a treat for her coworkers when she brought a tray of homemade spanakopita to O.R. potlucks. She only stopped working to take care of her own mother, Paschalina, at home.
She always enjoyed the Greek community of Winnipeg, and tried to stay connected through church and choir attendance with her daughter, Georgia.
Maria loved and sacrificed for her children. After her husband passed away in 1993, her only thoughts were to take care of them and try to provide for their happiness.
She lived to garden. Even after her diagnosis with cancer, she preached the benefits of being a passionate gardener. It was, as she said, her "therapy".
Maria was an extremely caring, gentle, and loving person. Her friends and family continually remarked that she was a very special person.
We will always cherish her memory.
Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, July 19, 11:00 am at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 2255 Grant Avenue, followed by interment at Waverley Memorial Gardens, 1501 Waverley Street.
The family would like to thank the many clinical teams involved in her diagnosis, treatment, and care from South Sherbrook Health Centre, Misericordia Health Centre, HSC, Cancer Care, Urgent Cancer Care, Riverview Palliative Care, and finally Grace Hospice. And thank you to her extended family that showed deep love and support to her over the many months of her illness and final days.
In lieu of flowers you may make a donation to Cancer Care Foundation.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.thomsoninthepark.com for the Papastephanou family.
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