It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Helene PETOUSSIS at the age of 52.

 

C’est avec grande tristesse et le cœur lourd que nous vous annonçons le décès de Helene PETOUSSIS, à l’âge de 52 ans.

 

CÉLÉBRATION / CELEBRATION

Jeudi le 2 Septembre 2021 / Thursday September 2, 2021

17h Accueil / 5:00 pm Welcome

21h00 Départ / 9:00 pm Departure

 

INHUMATION / INTERMENT

To take place in Crete, Greece

 

LIVE WEBCAST

Jeudi le 2 Septembre 2021 / Thursday September 2, 2021

17h - 5:00pm  À/TO  20h - 8:00pm

 

Si vous souhaitez envoyer des fleurs, veuillez aviser le fleuriste de livrer le Jeudi le 2 Septembre 2021 avant 13h00 pm.

If you wish to send flowers, Please advise the florist to deliver on Thursday September 2, 2021 Before 1:00 pm.

 

Helene (Leni) Petoussis died too soon at the Montreal Jewish General Hospital on August 22, 2021 at the age of 52. Known for her quick wit, wry smile, and incredible Cretan strength, she could make a room come alive with very few words and the twinkle in her eye.

Born in Montreal on March 15, 1969 to Francine Drapeau and Ioannis Petoussis, Helene grew up as the younger sister and sidekick of Constantino (Dino) Petoussis. Their childhood adventures in Repentigny and in their beloved Xonos in Crete are legendary, thanks to Dino’s energy and sense of adventure, and Leni’s sense of fun and loyalty to her brother.

Leni loved food, family, friends and travel, which she combined beautifully during her many trips to Greece. As a young child on her beloved island of Crete, she lived with her dearest Yiayia and Papou in the mountain village of Xonos, surrounded by her cousins, aunts, and uncles who farmed sheep, goats, piglets, plentiful gardens, and fruit and olive orchards. When she returned to Canada, she was also surrounded by food where her parents ran the local pizzeria as well as a seafood restaurant in Repentigny.

With her characteristic joie de vivre, Helene spent the 90s on the Plateau and in the Village in Montreal, working as a cook. She charmed many with her coolness and her swagger, and built a loving and loyal community of exes and friends.

After studying to be a professional chef at the Institut de l'hôtellerie du Québec (ITHQ), she cooked at several well-known Montreal and New York City restaurants. She then decided to go back to business school at McGill and then did her graduate work at Concordia, earning her CPA CA and working as an accountant at Price Waterhouse Coopers and then at Swissport.

She met Elana in 2000, and 6 years later, Stelio was born, who became the light of her life. They raised him in Mozart Manor, surrounded by a strong community of dear friends who were well-fed by Helene at her many dinner parties and barbecues.

Her diagnosis with breast cancer in 2016 when Stelio was 10 years old came as a blow, and she did everything she could to fight it. When it came back in 2019 in her bones, she showed her intelligence, strength, and determination as she developed expertise about the disease and the latest treatments. She sought out traditional and alternative therapies across the world in order to fulfill her intense desire to live. Her community came together beautifully to show their love and support to her and her family through this long battle, which included trips for treatment in Peru and in Mexico, as well as several stays in the hospital in Montreal.

A gathering in Montreal in memory of Helene will be held on Thursday, September 2, 2021 from 5 to 9 pm at the Aeterna Funeral Complex. A webcast will be available so that her friends in other places can attend.

A memorial will also be held in her beloved Xonos in Crete on September 13, where family and friends from Montreal, Vancouver, Athens, and across Crete will gather to remember Helene.

 

Stefanos Svourenos

Un service accompagné par / A service accompanied by

Stefanos Steven Svourenos
Prendre contact avec Stefanos



Exposition

jeudi 2 septembre 2021
  • 17:00

Envoyez vos messages de condoléances.

Johanne Frenette

Toutes mes sympathies à la famille et à mon ami Dino...Repose en paix ma belle Hélène 🙏

Babanicos Anna

Elana & Stelio, I only learned of Helene's passing today. Over the years I came to know you all through our dogs, Meraklis & Chico, at the dog park. I am so saddened to hear of Helene's passing. We talked often & her fight to beat her illness was something that I'll never forget. May her strength fill your hearts with peace knowing that for sure she is watching over you & is no longer suffering. Dearest Helene, may you Rest In Peace.

Spiro Vavougios

I just learned of this now, and didn't know about Helene's passing. She was a sweet person. I had just tried calling her, only to get a notice of the number being out of service. Rest in peace Helene!

Luke Stocking

Holding you all in the light during this time of grief. I’m so sorry Elana. It is not fair to Helene and to you and Stelio to be separated by death so early in life.

Emily Lukasik

I am heartbroken to hear of Helene's passing. Though I never had the pleasure of meeting her in person, I was moved by her incredible spirit felt by following her remarkable journey these past few months.... I can only imagine what a joy it was for those who knew her. I am holding you all in my heart.

Nicole Lavergne

Un grand salut à Leni, une compagne de voyage dans le cancer, un modèle, une amie...

Christine Flynn

My deepest condolences to Elana, Stelio and the family. I had the honor of working with Helene first when she was our auditor and then as a colleague at Swissport. The woman that I had the privilege of knowing was strong, kind hearted and adored her family. I admired her strength and her determination to get well. She is and will always be a true warrior. She may no longer be with us in person, but her bright light will shine forever.

Josey Vogels

My heart breaks for you Elena. I know you are enveloped in love right now. . Immerse yourself in that comfort and your wonderful memories. take care ❤️

Dana Safran

Dear Elana and Stelio, Our hearts are breaking for your loss. I remember the first time I met Helene. She greeted me with a gentle smile full of warmth. I will also remember the kindness and hospitality that Helene showed my daughter over the years. We are sending you our deepest sympathies for your devastating loss as well as strength and compassion as you navigate the next chapter. Helene will be missed.

fanny obadia

My sincere condolenscences to Elana, Stelio and all the Petoussis family for their terrible loss.

Michelle Wouters

I am absolutely heartbroken to hear of Leni's passing. As a fellow cancer fighter, it hits particularly hard. I remember when she broke the news to me and she told me her only wish to was to make sure she could see her beloved son, Stelio, grow up and graduate from high school. He was a very lucky boy to have two such devoted parents in Leni and Elana. I can't imagine how much he will grieve her death, but I hope he has many memories to carry him through the rest of his life. My deepest condolences to all the family, chosen family, and friends. Words cannot express our sorrow at losing such an incredible soul. I have so many wonderful memories of our visit in Lao when she taught me how to make kalamari. Oh, Leni, you were such a mensch!

Stéphane Vinhas

Bonjour Elena, c'est avec tristesse que j'ai appris le décès de ta conjointe dont tu m'avais parlée, notamment concernant le combat que vous meniez face à la maladie. Je te souhaite force et courage dans cette épreuve, pour toi et ta famille, et je souhaite la paix à ta conjointe, où qu'elle soit désormais.

Dawn Cathcart

Oh my, I am so sorry to hear this. She was such a sweet soul gone way to soon! My sincere condolences.

Ailsa Brown

Sending loving thoughts and our sincere condolences to you, Elana & Stelio. Our Sayulita beach day is the memory of Helene we cherish: friends laughing, quiet conversations and warm smiles. With love, Ailsa, Garnet & Fiona

Paul Litherland

I am so lucky to have had some neighbour time with Leni. She was a lovely generous person. We would do well to copy her sense of humour and style! Much love

Sylvie Audette

Mes très sincères sympathies a la famille et nombreux ami(e)s qu’elle laisse dans le deuil. Reposes en paix après t’être bien battues! 🙏❤️😘

ginette medza

nos sympathies vous accompagnes dans ces moments difficiles que vous vivez .particulierement a toi mon amie Francine je te fais le plus gros calin

Jeffrey Silverstone

I have such a heavy heart at the news of Helene’s passing. My condolences go out to you Elana, Stelio, family and friends. May the memories of dear Leni bring you comfort. May the bright light of her spirit be a source of strength to you always.

Gaëlle LE ROY

Adieu Winnie ! Joa d'an Anaon

Lisa Laframboise

Oh dear God , I am so sorry for this extreme loss to everyone who loved Leni, as a childhood friend I truly loved . This girl was the coolest person I ever met and I loved her dearly. Even though we parted ways I will never forget her . My sincere condolences to her dear family, I am so sorry. ❤️

Carol McCloskey

We have lost a dear friend too young! I will miss Helene a lot!

Suzanne Tremblay

Mes plus sincères condoléances Elana et Stelio ainsi qu'à toute la famille et ami(e)s. Je vous embrasse fort.

Susan Gabellini

It is with great sadness that I say goodbye to a dear friend that I shared so many good times with - although years have gone by but the memories are some of my fondest - so many Christmas holidays together at my parents house - our outings and shared interest in fashion -rest in peace my dear friend love Susan Gabellini and Family-

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Helene PETOUSSIS at the age of 52.

 

C’est avec grande tristesse et le cœur lourd que nous vous annonçons le décès de Helene PETOUSSIS, à l’âge de 52 ans.

 

CÉLÉBRATION / CELEBRATION

Jeudi le 2 Septembre 2021 / Thursday September 2, 2021

17h Accueil / 5:00 pm Welcome

21h00 Départ / 9:00 pm Departure

 

INHUMATION / INTERMENT

To take place in Crete, Greece

 

LIVE WEBCAST

Jeudi le 2 Septembre 2021 / Thursday September 2, 2021

17h - 5:00pm  À/TO  20h - 8:00pm

 

Si vous souhaitez envoyer des fleurs, veuillez aviser le fleuriste de livrer le Jeudi le 2 Septembre 2021 avant 13h00 pm.

If you wish to send flowers, Please advise the florist to deliver on Thursday September 2, 2021 Before 1:00 pm.

 

Helene (Leni) Petoussis died too soon at the Montreal Jewish General Hospital on August 22, 2021 at the age of 52. Known for her quick wit, wry smile, and incredible Cretan strength, she could make a room come alive with very few words and the twinkle in her eye.

Born in Montreal on March 15, 1969 to Francine Drapeau and Ioannis Petoussis, Helene grew up as the younger sister and sidekick of Constantino (Dino) Petoussis. Their childhood adventures in Repentigny and in their beloved Xonos in Crete are legendary, thanks to Dino’s energy and sense of adventure, and Leni’s sense of fun and loyalty to her brother.

Leni loved food, family, friends and travel, which she combined beautifully during her many trips to Greece. As a young child on her beloved island of Crete, she lived with her dearest Yiayia and Papou in the mountain village of Xonos, surrounded by her cousins, aunts, and uncles who farmed sheep, goats, piglets, plentiful gardens, and fruit and olive orchards. When she returned to Canada, she was also surrounded by food where her parents ran the local pizzeria as well as a seafood restaurant in Repentigny.

With her characteristic joie de vivre, Helene spent the 90s on the Plateau and in the Village in Montreal, working as a cook. She charmed many with her coolness and her swagger, and built a loving and loyal community of exes and friends.

After studying to be a professional chef at the Institut de l'hôtellerie du Québec (ITHQ), she cooked at several well-known Montreal and New York City restaurants. She then decided to go back to business school at McGill and then did her graduate work at Concordia, earning her CPA CA and working as an accountant at Price Waterhouse Coopers and then at Swissport.

She met Elana in 2000, and 6 years later, Stelio was born, who became the light of her life. They raised him in Mozart Manor, surrounded by a strong community of dear friends who were well-fed by Helene at her many dinner parties and barbecues.

Her diagnosis with breast cancer in 2016 when Stelio was 10 years old came as a blow, and she did everything she could to fight it. When it came back in 2019 in her bones, she showed her intelligence, strength, and determination as she developed expertise about the disease and the latest treatments. She sought out traditional and alternative therapies across the world in order to fulfill her intense desire to live. Her community came together beautifully to show their love and support to her and her family through this long battle, which included trips for treatment in Peru and in Mexico, as well as several stays in the hospital in Montreal.

A gathering in Montreal in memory of Helene will be held on Thursday, September 2, 2021 from 5 to 9 pm at the Aeterna Funeral Complex. A webcast will be available so that her friends in other places can attend.

A memorial will also be held in her beloved Xonos in Crete on September 13, where family and friends from Montreal, Vancouver, Athens, and across Crete will gather to remember Helene.

 

Stefanos Svourenos

Un service accompagné par / A service accompanied by

Stefanos Steven Svourenos
Prendre contact avec Stefanos

 

Exposition

Thursday, September 2, 2021
  • 5:00 PM

Send your condolences.

simone oliveira

Quand j'ai connu Leni , elle se battrait pour rester en vie, moi j'attendrai tellement qu'elle aurait être guérie, elle voulait voir Stelio être papa, connaitre tous ses petits-enfants , mais le bon Dieu a choisi qu'elle va pouvoir le voir de là-haut, elle aimait tellement sa famille, et son fils était sa fienté, moi je sais qui Leni était heureuse malgré la maladie, parce que dans les moments plus difficiles elle a vue qu'avait des vrais amis, elle était entourée d'Amour

simone oliveira

Quand j'ai connu Leni , elle se battrait pour rester en vie, moi j'attendrai tellement qu'elle aurait être guérie, elle voulait voir Stelio être papa, connaitre tous ses petits-enfants , mais le bon Dieu a choisi qu'elle va pouvoir le voir de là-haut, elle aimait tellement sa famille, et son fils était sa fienté, moi je sais qui Leni était heureuse malgré la maladie, parce que dans les moments plus difficiles elle a vue qu'avait des vrais amis, elle était entourée d'Amour

Emily & Sarah Fowlie-Paradis

What a beautiful and fitting tribute. Our hearts ache for Elana, Stelio, and all of Leni's family and friends for this inexpressible loss. We send our deepest condolences.

Carole Samdup

So sorry to hear the news Elana. Many best wishes to you and all the family.

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