HATIRAS, Panagiota (Paula)

It is with great sadness that the family of Paula Hatiras (nee Kafioti) announces her death on January 09, 2010, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.

Paula passed away peacefully in the Palliative Care Unit of VGH, surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was 76 years old.

Paula will be lovingly remembered by her twin daughters Vivian and Nickie (husband Mohammed), her sister and brother-in-law Vasso and Tom Voutsilakos, niece Fia Voutsilakos and husband Allan Frankland, niece Nikki Voutsilakos and husband Ari Paizakis. Paula’s much-loved grandnephews and grandniece, Thanasaki and Christopher Paizakis, and Lia Frankland. Paula also leaves behind many family members and numerous close friends here.

Paula was born in Achladochori, Messinia, Greece. In September 1962, she traveled to Halifax by boat and then journeyed by rail to Vancouver in search of a new life. Her sister Vasso joined her soon afterwards and they since remained very close, raising their families together.

In 1965, Paula met and married Elias Hatiras (now deceased), with whom she had their two daughters. As a single parent Paula returned to work and devoted her life to her girls. She made many sacrifices to provide her children with every opportunity.

Soon after arriving in Canada, Paula Settled in Kerrisdale, and made that community home for the past 32 years. In 2008 Paula traveled to her homeland for the first time in 35 years and was delighted to reconnect with family there.

Paula was a generous, outgoing person who had a wonderful sense of humor. She loved music, tending to her beautiful garden, and spending time with those dear to her heart. Paula’s family and friends will always be grateful for her unconditional love and support.

The family would like to thank Dr. David Segal, her physician of 30 years, the VGH palliative care team, as well as caregivers Rhoda and Josie, all of whom treated Paula with much love.

Prayers will be held on Wednesday, January 13th, 2010 at 7:00 pm at St. George’s Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 4500 Arbutus Street, Vancouver, where a funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 14th at 11:00 am. Reverend Dorotheos Tryfonopoulos officiating.

Burial to follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Burnaby. Condolences and tributes may be sent to the family by visiting MeM.com .