Chrissoula "Chrissa" Foscolos

Chrissoula “Chrissa” Foscolos passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at the age of 93, leaving behind a life defined by family, kindness, friendship, hard work, and a deep love of her Greek heritage.

Born in Greece on June 29, 1933, Chrissa married Anthony “Tony” Foscolos in 1959. In 1960, the young couple began an extraordinary journey together, moving to Berkeley, California, where Tony attended the University of California, Berkeley on scholarship. There, they welcomed their first son, Elias, in 1965. The family later moved to Calgary, where their second son, Sotirios  “Anthony”  was born in 1969 and where Chrissa would make her home for many years.

Chrissa was, above all, a devoted mother and grandmother. But she was also a talented craftswoman and entrepreneur. In 1974, she opened her own jewelry business and spent over 20 years working as a goldsmith and jeweler. Her creativity, skill, independence, and determination were an important part of the woman she was.

She was deeply involved in Calgary’s Greek community and volunteered extensively with the Philoptochos Society of the Greek Orthodox Church. She loved to cook, sing and dance, and treasured the many friendships she formed in both Calgary and Crete. Family was always at the center of Chrissa’s life. Her beloved niece, Eleni Emmanouilidou (nee Karamanos), came from Greece to live with the family while attending the University of Calgary beginning in 1974, becoming an especially close and cherished part of their home and lives.

Chrissa is lovingly remembered by her sons, Elias and Sotirios; daughters-in-law, Simlie and Belen; and granddaughters, Adrienne Lee and Chrissa Victoria. Special thanks go out to all the close friends and relatives who visited Chrissa and Tony during their final years. Their kindness and companionship brought them great comfort and helped brighten their days—whether by bringing them their favourite foods, doing manicures, or simply spending time together and sharing good conversation. The family is also deeply grateful to the compassionate staff at AgeCare Bow Crest for the kindness, care, and support they provided to Chrissa during the final months of her life. She is also remembered with love by her sister-in-law Magda Zagas; Magda’s children, Jim and Sotiris; her beloved niece Eleni; and her many lifelong relatives and friends: Rose Tzanetti and Despoina Pentari both currently resides in Crete.

Chrissa is now at peace, reunited with her beloved husband Tony, her many brothers and sisters, and her mother and father.

**Her hands created beautiful things, but the most beautiful thing she created was from her heart—a life centered around family, friendship, generosity, and love.**

The Funeral Service will be held at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church (1 Tamarac Crescent SW) on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at 10:00am followed by a Graveside Service at Queen's Park Cemetery. 

A Lunch Reception will be held following the Graveside Service at St. Andrew's Anglican Church (1611 St. Andrew's Place NW). 

This obituary has been authorized by the family of Chrissa Foscolos for posting on the Evan J. Strong Funeral Services website. Reproduction or redistribution without prior consent is prohibited.

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