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Kalotinis, Beatrice “Bea”
November 11th, 1931 – July 15th, 2024
Beatrice “Bea” Kalotinis, born Panagiota Eleftheriou on November 11th, 1931, later known as Beatrice (or Bea) Lefterys, passed away on July 15th, 2024. Many hearts are broken at the passing of our beloved mother. Some people come to this earth and spread love and kindness; our mom was one of them. She was always happy, and her goal in life was to be the best mom and Yiayia possible to her children and grandchildren.
She was the 7th child born to Theodore Eleftheriou (Lefterys) and Aphrodite Michalopoulos (Lefterys), from Kalteze Tripoli, Greece. She is predeceased by her siblings Georgia, Jim, Angie, Gus and Mary. Leaving a legacy of grandchildren; George (Jillian), Alex (Daniel), Steven (Kaycie), Kaylyn, Kristopher, Cassandra (Cody) and great grandchildren; Molly, Zoe, Quinton and newest family member Arthur.
Her parents were immigrants to North America and arrived in Hamilton in the early 1900s, becoming one of the first five Greek families in the city. Bea’s life revolved around her parent’s restaurant, The Crystal, located then in busy downtown Hamilton. She loved to iron and proudly ironed her fathers “19 shirts” a week. She grew up waitressing and one day her life changed in 1956 when she met new immigrant Efthalios (Del) Kalotinis, with suitcase in hand, when he walked into The Crystal restaurant. Her sister Georgia introduced them, and they were married August 19th, 1958. They shared 63 years together and raised their three children, Steve, John and Thalia. They constructed their home on Hester Street in 1963 and opened Ridgemount Variety and later Mountain Sports, where Bea managed their businesses while balancing family life.
Beautiful and active, she and her husband entertained friends and family and traveled often. Bea actively participated in the Greek community, attending church, participating in the choir, and being involved with the Daughters of Penelope.
Bea was not just loved; she was adored for her ability to light up any room. As the life of the party, she had a magnetic personality that drew people to her. Her infectious laughter and playful sense of humor were legendary, playfully known as “Bad Mama Bea”. Whether recounting stories from her youth or sharing witty remarks, Bea had love for life and never said no, a gift for spreading joy and creating lasting memories.
Throughout her life, Bea remained a pillar of strength and love for her family. Her home was always open, decorated in her favourite colour blue, filled with the aroma of her delicious Greek cooking and the warmth of her hospitality. She cherished family gatherings and took pride in passing down her Greek traditions and values to her children and grandchildren.
Bea and Del retired to Samos, Greece, where they cherished the company of Bea’s sister-in-law Elizabeth and nephews Stelio and Niko. They spent almost 30 summers there, enjoying the tranquil surroundings and cherished moments with family.
After her husband’s passing in 2022, Bea continued to indulge her passion for travel, frequently asking her daughter, “Did you get the plane tickets? Are we leaving soon? My bags are packed already!” Bea cherished her 4:30 afternoon cocktail of vodka and orange juice, often enjoying it in the backyard with family and friends. Her nephew Theo regularly visited, bringing her coffee and a Boston cream donut, demonstrating his enduring love and loyalty until her final moments.
Bea was surrounded by her family at her time of death, including her loyal nurse, Betty Azu, lovingly known as Betty, Betty, Betty. We will be indebted to her for her gentle kindness and love, for caring for Bea in her final years.
Bea loved us all and brought new meaning to unconditional love, as only a mother can know. Close to Del’s death he said to his daughter “If I didn’t marry your mother, I never would have had the life I lived, she was my Angel.”
She loved life and living it to the fullest, she died fighting for it to her last breath.
She will be greatly missed.
Visitation will be held at P.X. Dermody Funeral Home, 796 Upper Gage Ave. (Between Mohawk and Fennell) on Thursday July 18, 2024 from 7-9 PM.
A second viewing and the Funeral ceremony will both take place at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 22 Head St., Hamilton, ON, on Friday July 19, 2024 beginning at 9:30 AM, Funeral ceremony at 11:00 AM. Following the service, interment will occur at Mount Hamilton Cemetery on 260 Rymal Rd E.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society
Monday July 15th 2024
Death notice for the town of: HAMILTON, Province: Ontario
death notice Beatrice Kalotinis Lefterys Monday July 15th 2024
obituaries notice Beatrice Kalotinis Lefterys Monday July 15th 2024
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Beatrice Kalotinis Lefterys Monday July 15th 2024 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.