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Katherine Farmakoulas

Katherine Farmakoulas

Born In: Greece
Born: December 5th, 1923

Passed in: Glace Bay
Passed on: December 26th, 2015

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing away of our mother, Katherine (Xidos) Farmakoulas, age 92, of Glace Bay, N.S. on Dec. 26, 2015 in Dartmouth, N.S.
Our mother was the matriarch of not only our family but also of the Cape Breton Greek Orthodox Community which she loved and served with all her heart. We will miss her dearly.
Katherine was born in Siros, Cyclades, Greece to Irene (Vihos) and John Xidos on Dec. 5, 1923. She grew up on her beloved island Milos and enjoyed her summers in Klima. She completed her high school education in Piraeus, Greece where she received high honours and academic recognition for her achievements. In 1940, Katherine left Greece and came to the booming coal mining town of Glace Bay. She continued to educate herself while working in the family business, Empire Shoe Rebuilders. She married John Farmakoulas and raised three children. Although she was not able to continue a formal education, she was a lifelong learner and a self-educated woman that continued to correct the grammar and mathematical errors of her educated children.
In 1961 a tragic accident took the lives of many important people in her life, including her husband and brother. Katherine and her sister-in-law Helen assumed the responsibility of running the family business, Koolex Kleaners. Later, she opened her own gift store, Gifts Galore, which became a meeting place for coffee and conversation. She took on a leadership role in the Cape Breton Greek Community and was the president for the past 50 years. Her selfless love and dedication to culture, tradition and religion was the anchor of the Greek Community.
Family and friends were the most important things in Katherine’s life. The kitchen at 134 South St. was always ready with hot coffee and Greek sweets for all who dropped in. Katherine’s specialty was cooking and baking. Leaving her home with an empty stomach was not an option. Her sense of humour kept our spirits high and her advice guided us to the very end. She had a Greek saying for every situation that began with, “There’s a Greek saying that says ...”
On this very special Christmas day, she continuously repeated how lucky she was to be surrounded by her family.
Katherine is survived by her three daughters, Irene (Louis) Angelopoulos, Eva Farmakoulas, Gloria Farmakoulas; sister Laodiki (Gerry) Lutwick; sisters-in-law, Helen Xidos and Irini Papaiouannou; brother-in-law James (Mary) Farmakoulas; grandchildren, Yanna (George) Theoharopoulos, Stefani (Konstantinos) Angelopoulos, John-Paul Angelopoulos, and her namesake, the love of her life, Katerina McInnis; great-grandchildren, Xenia, Irini and Kyrkos Theoharopoulos, Leonidas Manos; nieces and nephews Cleo (Sean) Xidos, John Xidos, Renee (Glenn) Lutwick, Emmanuel Lutwick, John (Evangeline) Lutwick, Michael (Mireille) Lutwick, John Farmakoulas, Andrew Farmakoulas, Christina (Randy) Walker, Xenia (John) Tsavos, Evi (Thomas) Papaiouannou and George (Uli) Papaiouannou; many other great nieces and nephews; and her 'adopted' son and soulmate Mike Dezagiacomo.
Katherine was predeceased by her husband, John Farmakoulas, brother Emmanuel Xidos, father John Xidos and mother Irene (Vihos) Xidos.
Funeral service will be held at St. Anargyree Greek Orthodox Church, Glace Bay on Dec. 31, 2015 at 1 p.m. with Rev. Theodore Efthimiadis officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Haven Memorial Garden, 1510 Grand Lake Rd., Sydney, N.S. Visitation will be held at Curry’s Funeral Home, 775 Main St., Glace Bay, on Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2015 at 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Anargyree Greek Orthodox Church, 15 Marconi St., Glace Bay, N.S., B1A 2P2.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff of Dartmouth General Hospital and especially to the very special Dr. L. McAslan.
Condolences may expressed to the family at www.currysfuneralhome.com.


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