Obituary of Christina Voikos

VOIKOS, CHRISTINA – After a long battle with a failing 87 year old vessel, at Bluewater Health on Saturday, January 5, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. peacefully in the presence of her son. Brave and composed at all times, sharing her dry sense of humour. Beloved wife of the late Peter. Loving mother of James (Jim) and the late George. Predeceased by her parents Spiro & Stoina. Christina was born the 17th of October, 1926 in Statitsa (Mela) in the Macedonian region of Greece. Escaping poverty, political upheaval and warring factions her mother, Stonia, secreted them out of the country to Canada in 1927, to be reunited with her father Spiro. He was instrumental in bringing the Simeonakis clan and other Macedonian families into Canada. Starting from extremely humble beginnings on the streets of Toronto in the early 30's, Spiro operated Kent County Bakery in Chatham, then come to Sarnia and opened Town Coffee Shop which became a local fixture downtown. Christina was the lynch pin of the operation, often working from sunrise until midnight – famous for her scratch baking and cooking. From there, the "Pete & Chris" team opened the Pancake House on East Street along with the Open Kitchen. Several other establishments were opened and sold over time. Christina is also survived by extended family members Cathy (Brian) Banks, Erik and Diana Banks, Danielle and Amanda Lazenis, Steve (Helen) Voikos, Danny (May) Voikos, George Voikos, Tuala (Andrew) Tomlinson, Olga Voikos, Johnny (Oxana) Collis, Mitra (Frank) Gissoine, Tami Simeonakis, Bill (Debbie) Simeonakis, Mary (Mark) Hudson, Dina, Nick and Jim (Sonia) Netskos, George (Olga) Gogas, Helen, Nick and Trisha Gogas, Jim (Susan) Gogas, Louie (Olga) Symeonakis, Donna (John) Betteridge, Tom (Maureen) and Sheila Symeonakis. Apologies to those not listed here, you have not been forgotten. Special thanks to Dina Netkos and Tami Simeonakis for their great love and help over the last few years. Beyond the hard times we had many adventures taking mother out for drive and trips to Macklins. Special mention to Steve and Marie Durco for being great friends to my parents for many years. I cannot forget long time friends, the Balcou and Kalyonis families, from Chatham. We are greatly indebted to Father Chrysostomos Achilleos, St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church for his compassion and services. An Orthodox family service for closing was held on January 19, 2014. Family & friends will be received at the McKENZIE & BLUNDY FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE, 431. N. Christina St., Sarnia on Saturday from 10-11 a.m. Funeral Service will be held in the McKenzie & Blundy Chapel following visitation at 11 a.m. Interment Lakeview Cemetery. Messages of condolence and memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com A tree will be planted in memory of Christina Voikos in the McKenzie & Blundy Memorial Forest. Dedication service Sunday, September 21st, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at the Wawanosh Wetlands Conservation Area