1933 – 2017
Obituary for Nitsa Vlasis
Nitsa (wife of Louis Vlasis) was born in Sparti, Greece on November 21, 1934. She was the first of 4 children to Demetrios and Kyriakoula Milonas.
In 1954, at the young age of 19, she left her family to explore new opportunities in Canada. Following what was then a very difficult 30-day voyage from the port of Piraeus in Athens to Pier 21 in Halifax, she made her way to Montreal. While on this voyage Nitsa met one of her lifelong friends, Koula Katsimbras, with whom she was close to up until the time of her death several years ago.
Nitsa found very enjoyable work in Montreal with the Di Bello family who took her in and helped her build her new life as a young Canadian immigrant. While in Montreal she met many new friends, and embraced the opportunity to mix with the diversity of a growing multicultural city. Coming to Canada speaking only Greek she became fluent in both English and Italian shortly thereafter as she integrated into her new community.
In 1956 Nitsa helped her brother Louis join her in Canada. He eventually found work in Elliot Lake Ontario. At one point in 1959, her brother had asked a friend to deliver a letter to her in Montreal. The man who delivered the letter was immediately enchanted with the woman who he had delivered it to – Nitsa. Following this chance encounter they quickly fell in love. They married on August 27, 1960 and began their future together in the area that later become known as Park Extension, Montreal. They contributed to the development of a strong Greek community. These were people who worked together and became like family while they built their lives in their new home of Canada. They celebrated with each other through the joys and supported each other through the challenges that life brings for 57 years.
In 1962 the young couple welcomed their first son Eleftherios (Terry) while they helped each other build a successful grocery store business that they both owned and operated. Their free time was spent contributing to the emerging Greek community while participating in a multitude of community events. Nitsa always looked forward to the opportunity of sharing her joy of life through dance.
In 1965 the young family decided to continue moving west in search of further opportunities. They settled in a home on Dovercourt Road in Toronto finding themselves once again in a community of friends comprised predominantly of new immigrants. Nitsa enjoyed the opportunity to exercise her steady hand and artistic talent in hand painting fine glassware. Some of the glassware that she produced was found in many high-end Toronto establishments at that time.
In 1967 their second son Demetrios (Jim) arrived thereby making the family complete. Their next adventure, in 1969, found them moving to what was then the small community of Ajax-Pickering. Here they settled into what would become the family home for the next 48 years. Nitsa’s artistic abilities were further utilized while skilfully manipulating leather and other fabrics in the production of automotive interiors in this developing industry throughout the 1970s and early 80s.
Nitsa consistently put her family first. No matter what her work demands, there was always a healthy Greek meal on the dining room table and the family home was always kept meticulously clean. The doors to the Vlasis home were always open where guests would be treated to delicious food prepared by Nitsa. She was consistently recognized in the community for her superior cooking abilities and for her warm company.
Nitsa and the family became very active in the development of the Greek Community of Durham Region. They were co-founders and helped to facilitate the growth of this group that now includes approximately 800 families.
Nitsa’s boys (Terry and Jim) grew up and eventually married, bringing her great joy and happiness. This joy was compounded when her grandchildren arrived, starting with Adonia in 1991, Anastasia in 1993, Alexandra in 1996 and finally, Maya in 2005. When Nitsa was with her family you could always see immense joy both in her smile and in her eyes.
Nitsa faced a number of health challenges in her life, never allowing them to dampen her spirit. On Friday September 1, 2017, Nitsa was admitted to Ajax-Pickering hospital where she immediately endeared herself to the health care staff through showing her warmth even in her fragile state. Despite her brave fight, she was unable to conquer her final illness. Nitsa passed away peacefully in her 83rd year on Tuesday, November 7, 2017 in the loving arms of her family. Her warmth and glow continue to be felt by everyone she has touched.
Nitsa’s family will always continue to struggle with this loss. We have lost an angel, but we take comfort in knowing that she is now at peace and we will always carry her with us in our hearts.
Nitsa is survived by her beloved husband Louis of 57 years, son Terry (wife Bessie and loving grandchildren Adonia, Anastasia, and Alexandra), son Jim (wife Angela and loving granddaughter Maya). Nitsa is also survived by her sister Rina and brother Louis of Sparti, Greece and her brother George of Montreal.
The family will receive friends for visitation at the Heritage Funeral Centre (50 Overlea Boulevard Toronto) on Friday November 10, 2:00 pm to 4:00pm and 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Funeral Service will be at St. Irene Greek Orthodox Church (66 Gough Avenue Toronto) on Saturday, November 11 at 11:00 am followed by interment service at Pine Hills Cemetery at 625 Birchmount Road, Scarborough. A commemorative lunch will be held by the family immediately following the interment.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Nitsa Vlasis – 1933 – 2017.source

Death notice for the town of: Toronto, Province: Ontario

death notice Nitsa Vlasis – 1933 – 2017- mortuary notice Nitsa Vlasis – 1933 – 2017