Triantafellia (Foula) Hontzias

Triantafellia (Foula) Hontzias, born on February 10, 1933 in Vlasi, Greece, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2025 at the age of 92. Left to lovingly remember her is her devoted husband of 60 years, Yianni, her children Angela (Dimitri), Jim (Lara) and grandchildren Alexandria (Colten), Nefeli and Yianni. She is also survived by her sister Penelope (Fotis), brothers and sisters-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Haralambos and Eleni, her older brother Vasilis, her beloved younger brother Peter and her nephews Alex and Makis, all of whom she held close in her heart. The matriarch of both her immediate and extended family in Calgary, she lived a full life anchored in dedication to family, community and her church, and her absence will be felt deeply by all those who loved her.

Foula immigrated to Canada in 1961 with her brother Peter. After being critically injured in a car accident, she returned to Greece once she recovered from her injuries in 1965. There, she met her husband Yianni, and they were married a short time later. Together, they made the journey to Canada to begin their new life together with determination and deep love for each other that never wavered. In 1977 they bought Odyssey Pizza which they owned and operated until 1989.

Her greatest joy was her family. Her close knit family gave her great pride and she created a happy home filled with love, comfort and kindness for everyone. One of her favorite joys was having her grandchildren over where she would prepare their favorite meals including avgolakia and patates or her world famous pasta. Although her kindness shone through in all she did, she did have a sharp tongue and was always ready with a quick comment or retort when her children would tease her or try to prank her.

Her faith was a pillar of her life, and she and Yianni purposely selected their first home to be close to St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church so she could walk to services. There, she was a beloved community member, attending services and volunteering her time to support fundraising initiatives through the Philoptochos Society. Through her church and neighborhood, she built lifelong friendships, and her home was often a hub of activity, with coffee visits from neighborhood friends and family. The Greek coffee, paximadia and treats were always ready for her guests, along with a warm home and an open heart. If Foula wasn't busy cooking in her kitchen, you could find her in her sprawling garden or visiting with friends under the shade of the elato in her backyard, where conversations lingered and memories took root.

Although the heartbreaking diagnosis of dementia gradually dimmed the light of her memory, it did not change the essence of who she was. In her final years at Cedar’s long-term care, Foula continued to be surrounded by love, with her devoted husband and children by her side every day. The family is grateful to the healthcare workers who cared for her with compassion and tenderness. Although we will miss her deeply, we take comfort that she may now rest in peace. May her memory be eternal.

Prayers will be held at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church (1 Tamarac Crescent SW) on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 5:30pm.  A Funeral Service will be held at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 11:00am followed by a Reception in the St. Demetrios Parish Hall.  

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