Obituary of Cleoniky Girgulis

Cleoniky (Cleo) Girgulis (Barootes) 
1921 – 2018 

Passed away on October 14, 2018 at the age of 96.  Born on December 15, 1921 in Triglia, Asia Minor she immigrated to Canada where she settled in Edmonton with her mother, father and two brothers. In 1943 she married Sam Girgulis and moved to Saskatoon. Cleo was very supportive of the young Greek immigrants who came to Canada in the early 50's: her home was their home. She was a fierce advocate for the mission of the Order of AHEPA and was instrumental in chartering many of the Daughters of Penelope chapters in Canada.  

In 1961 she became the first Grand Vice President of Canada of the Daughters of Penelope.  She was one of the founding members of the Hellenic Community of Saskatoon and of the Koimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church and served on their executive boards for many years. Cleo’s story and that of the Hellenic Community of Saskatoon may be found at www.virtualmuseum.ca. She was also involved with the Folk Arts Council and the YWCA over her 71 years in Saskatoon. 

Cleo was predeceased by her husband Sam, her brothers Bill and George and many relatives in the Barootes and Girgulis families. Cleo is survived by her daughters Christina (Andrew), Ann (Gerry) and Celia (Ron), grandchildren Sean (Wendy), Patti (Doug), Sam, Paul (Heidi) and Chris (Karen) and great grandchildren Ross, Tasha,  Majo, Holly, Brett, Ty, Ledger, Rasmus, Jakob and Calla. In addition she was loved by many nieces, nephews, koumbari, godchildren and friends. Special thanks to Oz and Sheney Niyazi for their friendship and assistance for so many years, to Koumbara Helen Arvanitis for her constant support, and for all those who called and came to visit. The family thanks the staff of Jasper Place Continuing Care and Touchmark at Wedgewood for their support and care of Cleo in her final months. 

Prayers were held at St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church, in Edmonton on Wednesday, October 17. The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday October 20, 2018 at 2:00  p.m. at Koimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church (1020 Dufferin Avenue)  in Saskatoon with Reverend John Kaoukakis presiding. Memorial Donations may be made to Koimisis Tis Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church, 1020 Dufferin Avenue Saskatoon, SK, S7H 2C1.