Obituary of Eleni Kapsalis

Age 93. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Helen on Sunday January 13, 2019. She passed away peacefully at the QEII Halifax Infirmary with family close at hand. Helen was the daughter of Kosta and Panagiota Karountzos and was the eldest of four siblings.

She was born on May 26, 1926 in Xirokambi, Greece, a traditional village in the valley of Sparta rich in ancient olive and orange groves. Sailing on board the Queen Frederica with her husband and their two children, she immigrated to Canada in March 1959 through Pier 21. Upon settling in Halifax they continued to grow their family, welcoming two more children. Helen was a strong and hardworking woman who with her husband operated Louis’ Grocery on the Herring Cove Road for many years. She was dedicated to serving her community and became a staple in the Spryfield area. She looked forward to attending the services of Saint George’s Greek Orthodox Church, and spending time with her friends and family members in the Greek community. Helen longed to visit Greece as often as she could and loved the warm weather of her homeland. Some of Helen’s many good natured qualities were her calm presence and dedication to her family. She loved cooking big meals and nothing ever went to waste in her kitchen. The greatest joy for Helen came from the daily visits from her loved ones who made her home the lively centre of the family. She was especially excited when visiting her great-grandchildren who she shared a special connection with. Helen is survived by her children Maria Lytras (Stamatis), George Kapsalis (Aisha), Patricia Christakos (Leo), and Tula Papadopoulos (Yiannie); grandchildren George (Teena), Vaso, Gina (Yiannie), Leo K., Eleni (Grant), Leo P., Elena (Thomas), and Katerina; great-grandchildren Vasilios, Nova, and Maia and her siblings Beulah Tsitouras and Stratos Karountzos as well as many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband Leonidas “Louis" George Kapsalis, brother Dimitri Karountzos, and grandson Savvas Papadopoulos.

Arrangements are under the care of J. Albert Walker Funeral Home (2005) Ltd. 149 Herring Cove Rd. where visitation will be Tuesday January 15 from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. Funeral service will take place Wednesday January 16 at 12 p.m. from Saint George’s Greek Orthodox Church, Purcell’s Cove Rd. Interment to take place in St. John’s Cemetery Halifax. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint George’s Greek Orthodox Church.