Kate Tsiantis

TSIANTIS Kate,
With great sorrow and bittersweet gratitude, the Venetis, Manimanakis, Drossos, and Tsiantis families announce the passing of our kind, brave, strong, caring and unimaginably generous wife, mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, sister and friend. Kate Tsiantis passed away unexpectedly, but quietly, surrounded by her loving family on the afternoon of Saturday March 4, 2023, at Markham Stouffville hospital at the age of 88, leaving behind her loving family and friends.

Kate was one of seven children, born in Thermos, Greece on July 10, 1934, to the late Athanasios and Maria Drossos. In 1955, at only 19 years, leaving her loved ones behind, she travelled to Canada, sponsored by her late husband Pericles Tsiantis in an arranged marriage. Once in Canada, she was notified that her father suddenly passed away at the age of 57 from a broken heart, while she was traveling to Canada. Her journey to success begins as she worked two jobs to support her family in Canada and Greece. Kate had an enormously generous heart and spirit, and her absence will be felt by all who knew her. She sponsored and helped not only her siblings but cousins, friends, strangers and always went out of her way to help those in need, pretty much anybody and everybody who crossed her path.

Kate completed Marvel Beauty School in the early 1960’s and was an accomplished hairstylist with a flare in fashion design and a professional mindset. In 1969, she purchased a building where she operated her hairstyling establishment for many years. After the passing of her beloved husband Pericles Tsiantis in 1981, at the age of 57 years from a heart attack, Kate decided to semi retire to do some travelling to Greece, leaving her dedicated daughter Katherine to run her business. Despite her professional achievements, Kate always put her family first and committed herself to maintaining a sense of protection and care for her daughter Katherine Venetis and later on to her grandchildren Constantina and Pericles Venetis spending many years prioritizing their needs well above her own. Kate provided her family with all the love, comfort, hospitality, humour and stability a family could ask for. As a mother and grandmother, Kate was an amazing role model who instilled values of hard work, perseverance, and determination in her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren. She was always there to provide guidance and encouragement, and her family looked up to her as a matriarch.

Kate was diagnosed with colon cancer, in March of 2003. Even though her health issues led to her slowing down and concentrating on treatments and changes to her lifestyle, she never gave up on herself. In 2016, Kate suffered a massive stroke while vacationing in Greece with her family, which greatly impacted her ability to communicate and resulted in the loss of her independence. Although deeply saddened by that turn of events for Kate, this set back did not compromise her ability to continue to create memories, including participating in a weekly Aphasia and Communication Disability Program, physio and speech therapy sessions, attending every soccer game and dance competition, her two grandchildren were involved in and enjoying family celebrations.

Kate was immensely proud of her family, and leaves behind nothing but beautiful memories. Her family was the light of her life and her relationship with her sister Irene Manimanakis was cherished. She was an amazing mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, landlord and friend. She touched the lives of so many people. She will truly be missed and will never, ever, be forgotten
Let us all remember her infectious smile and her love for the flamboyant “cheetah print”.
Kate leaves behind her devoted daughter - Katherine Venetis, caring son-in-law - George Venetis, two adoring grandchildren - Constantina and Pericles Venetis, a loving sister - Irene Manimanakis and her family Stefanos, Ellie, Tom and Michael, a brother - Nicolas Drossos and his family Freda, Maria, and Nicole, a sister-in-law - Niki Tsavalia-Drosos and her family Maria and James, a brother-in-law - Theodoros Tsiantis and his family Chris, Pina, Vicky and Rebecca, a gentle son-in-law’s-mother- Dina Ravanis and her family Tina, Jimmy, Nicholas and Connie, devoted and caring PSW’s- Willa, Jennifer, Christine, Abi and Siboshana, countless extended family, friends, neighbours and acquaintances, a dedicated companion - Kosta (Gus) Mastrokostas.
May she rest in peace and may her memory be eternal!
Friends are invited to say a final goodbye to:
Viewing: Monday, March 13th, from 10am-12pm.
St. Panteleimon Greek Orthodox Church of Markham.
11323 Warden Ave., Markham, ON L6C 1M9
Funeral Service: Monday, March 13th, 12pm.
St. Panteleimon Greek Orthodox Church of Markham.
11323 Warden Ave., Markham, ON L6C 1M9
Burial Service: To follow Funeral Service. Mount Pleasant Cemetery.
375 Mt Pleasant Rd, Toronto, ON M4T 2V8

A memorial luncheon will be held on April 30, 2023:
St. Panteleimon Greek Orthodox Church of Markham.
11323 Warden Ave., Markham, ON L6C 1M9

Please R.S.V.P to Kathy Venetis at 416-930-9627

In her memory, donations can be made to her memorial fund, March of Dimes, Aphasia and Communication Disability Program, (ACDP). Contact the following person via telephone:
Rasitha Ehamparam
1-800-263-3463 ext 7256
(Please indicate that the donation is in Kate Tsiantis’ memory and mention that the donation is for the ACDP).