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With much love, we mourn the death of Giannoula Diochnos, on Tuesday, October 10th, 2023, at age 89, following months of declining health. Giannoula was an extraordinary person; a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who defined herself through hard work and service to others.
Born in the small village of Polydroso (Epirus) Greece, Giannoula had the misfortune of losing her mother at the tender age of 3. After her father re-married, she began to assist in caring for (what became) a family of 9 younger siblings (made more challenging, as their father was often away operating a dairy shop in Alexandria, Egypt). During WWII, when the village was garrisoned and the local school was forced to close, Giannoula’s formal education ended, and her family responsibilities multiplied.
Emerging from these hardships, Giannoula developed an unwavering sense of duty while acquiring many valuable skills both at home and in the fields. Following the war, she apprenticed as a seamstress in Ioannina. At the age of 23, she married Constantin (Costa) and their only child, Nick, was born in 1959. After the family emigrated to Montreal in 1964, Giannoula gained employment as a garment-maker. Following their move to Calgary in 1978, she continued to develop proficiency in crochet, needlework, and knitting, and her detailed, masterful creations were often gifted to family members.
Giannoula had a special fondness for children and they, in turn, gravitated to her. As a truly nurturing force – she often displayed her love for others through the gift of food. When her grandson moved to Ontario to attend university, ‘Yia-Yia’ would send care packages of home-made cooking and baking (although it took several attempts – to finally convince her that mailing a broiled chicken, even via Express Post, is perhaps not the wisest idea!)
Yes, Giannoula would often stubbornly cling to her roots and traditional village ways. She proudly made everything ‘from scratch,’ harvesting vegetables from her huge and abundant garden. She was famous for her Spanakopita, Tyropita, and Baklava. Into her 88th year, even as her health challenges were mounting, Giannoula could be found at the kitchen counter rolling out her own delicate phyllo pastry.
Giannoula expressed her philosophy and love of community through countless hours volunteering for the Hellenic Society, its church, and various charitable functions. She took pride in offering her culinary skills, yet she accepted any duty assigned to her, even if it meant peeling potatoes for hours on end. (She would have made any drill sergeant very proud!)
Giannoula shunned many forms of consumerism, technology, and anything designed to replace human effort or handiwork. As an example, one could sense her disapproval for cell phones and her desire to turn them into projectiles… an impulse she (largely) controlled. If offered a simple bouquet of flowers she would protest “… but what use are these if I can’t cook them?” Although store aisles are stacked with an endless array of choices – this mattered little to Giannoula; she continued to sprinkle “Tide” on her dirty dishes – explaining, matter-of-factly,” soap is soap.” Today, as many of us aspire to these values: to grow and eat organically, to live minimally, and to leave a small carbon footprint; few of us will attain her level of success.
Giannoula will be fondly remembered and missed by family far and wide – and by many in the Greek community. Her loss is deeply felt by her devoted husband, Constantin, her son Nick (daughter-in-law, Blythe), and her cherished grandchildren, Chloe and Kosta. She was predeceased by her brother Dimitris and stepbrother, Themistocles, surviving to mourn, are her dear nieces and nephews (their much-loved children), as well as stepsiblings: Eleni, Panayiota, Persephone, Xanthoula, Yiannis, Thodoris and Thomas.
We wish to extend our deepest thanks to all the Makos and Diochnos family members and to those in the Greek community who warmly expressed their love and care for both Giannoula and Costa. We are also very grateful to the many healthcare professionals who surrounded us with their compassion and expertise during numerous appointments, hospital stays, and home visits. Lastly, we thank the outstanding caregivers and staff at Bow View Manor who brought an exceptional level of care and comfort to Giannoula during her last few months.
In keeping with Giannoula’s wishes, a private, brief prayer service has been arranged. Photos, memories, and condolences may be viewed on the tribute wall.
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March 25 1934 October 10 2023 89 Years Old
Death notice for the town of: Calgary, Province: Alberta
death notice Giannoula Makos Diochnos March 25 1934 October 10 2023 89 Years Old
obituaries notice Giannoula Makos Diochnos March 25 1934 October 10 2023 89 Years Old
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Giannoula Makos Diochnos March 25 1934 October 10 2023 89 Years Old and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
